''If agriculture fails, everything else will fail. We must focus on that, only then can we solve other problems. A farmer is an important scientist. We should be thankful to them,'' opined director of JSS Mahavidyapeeta research and development centre, V Prakash.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the student-scientist interaction programme organised at the Sarada Vilas Centenary Hall by Karnataka State Vignana Parishat here on Saturday.

Addressing the participants, he said farmers know the scientific specialties of plants. Curiosity and question increase interest in science. Experiences in life is the most important factor for any person and there is no retirement for a scientist as he learns all through his life, he added.

He said science surrounds man as soon as he is born. It is not born in schools, colleges or universities.  Surgeon Dr C G Narasimhan said religious beliefs act as obstacles to the growth of science.

 A woman, who died on Vaikunta Ekadashi believing that she would reach heaven, is an example of the blind beliefs of the people. Students should learn new aspects everyday. Each student should have the confidence to ask questions, he added.

Karnataka State Vignana Parishat district committee president Prof P Venkataramaiah, vice-president Srimathi Hariprasad, secretary R Srinivasan and others were present. High school students and teachers participated in the programme.

Interaction with scientists belonging to Defence Food Research Laboratory and National Centre for Astrophysics would be held on January 8 beginning at 10 am.