Prez's 4-point plan for second Green Revolution

First, existing institutional support systems should be strengthened and existing gaps in them bridged. This would require monitoring weather patterns and passing them on to farmers, using modern communication tools. Modern technologies such as drip and sprinkle irrigation should be introduced for efficient use of water. To address problems of food storage, existing warehouses and cold storages should be improved, the President said.  

“In a country where food security is yet to be achieved, inappropriate storage of food in intolerable,” the President said.
Second, the potential of dryland farming, which accounts for 45 percent of total food production and 80 percent of pulses and seeds grown in India, must be explored.

“The (first) Green Revolution took place in irrigated areas and many farming sectors were outside its ambit. Dryland farming can be the cradle for the second such revolution,” Patil said.

Third, agriculture should be integrated with other sectors. Industry and services segments should develop links with agriculture for end-to-end operations, from sowing seeds to selling the produce.

A partnership must be built between farmers, the private sector and the government to develop agriculture and industry as two well-balanced wheels of the economy.
Fourth, technology should be used to increase agriculture productivity.

‘Take up agriculture’

The President also urged the graduating students to take up agriculture as a profession.

“You can work closely with farms to understand their issues and find innovative solutions to change the way agriculture operates in our country. Research must be geared for their needs. Instead of looking at what others are doing, take the initiative in doing something innovative and progressive,” she concluded.