HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has sought cooperation of agricultural experts and scientists in giving a fillip to the second green revolution envisaged by the State by building irrigation projects and enhancing farm productivity.

The suggestion came during a breakfast meeting at his residence with top scientists attending the 93rd Indian Science Congress here. The guests were led by Director-General, Food and Agricultural Organisation and included Nobel laureate Richard R. Ernst, M.S. Swaminathan, chairman, National Commission on Farmers, former chief secretary Mohan Kanda, who is a National Disaster Management Committee member and Director-General, ICRISAT William Dar.

Use of technology

The agenda included enhancing use of technology in agriculture, crop diversification in accordance with the markets and involving women self-help groups in marketing farm products.

Dr. Reddy said in the context of growing competition in he domestic and international markets, farmers would not be able to reap benefits unless they implemented modern practices. For that to happen, agricultural experts and scientists had a great role in ensuring that laboratory research reached farmers.

When a scientist asked about continuing suicides by farmers, the Chief Minister pointed out they had almost stopped in the State. The sporadic deaths reported now were mainly due to personal problems arising out of large families or other factors.

When Dr. Reddy pointed out that both President and Prime Minister had enquired about progress of irrigation projects, Dr. Swaminathan said Government's `Jalayagnam' had caught the attention of all states.

As scientists sought to know the source of funding, he explained that besides budgetary allocation, Andhra Pradesh was tapping different agencies in the country and abroad to mobilise funds and was confident of achieving the goal.

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