Increase productivity without compromising on ecology: Swaminathan
Sangareddy (Andhra Pradesh): Renowned agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan opined that the proposed loan waiver for farmers in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh should not be like a patronage and instead it should bring them out of the debt trap.
Addressing a gathering and later the media at International Crops Research Institute for Semi- Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) at Patancheru on Monday after being named ICRISAT Ambassadors of Goodwill along with ace badminton player Saina Nehwal, Prof. Swaminathan said that it should be one method among many ways to help the farmers, but the government should be judgemental while announcing loan waivers.
"There are several other methods as well like extension of services, credit systems and harvesting new seeds. Let us make efforts to see that best and modern science reach the farmers. Increase productivity in perpetuation without compromising on ecology," said Prof. Swaminathan.
He also felt that the governments should see that the help being extended to farmers include further loan availability and inputs like fertilizer and seeds. He has also suggested linking up of MNREGS with farming sector.