Addressing recently the 18th Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (eastern region) in Patna, Union Minister of Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh said the ICAR-RCER, Patna has not only been working in the areas of paddy, wheat, pulses and oilseeds, but is also doing commendable work in crop diversification, livestock development, fishery management, water management, horticulture, agro-forestry and soil science.
The minister said the purpose of ICAR-RCER, Patna, is to work for sustainable farming in seven Eastern States whose geographical area is only 22.5% whereas its population is 34%. Besides, 31% of the total livestock is found in this region.
The Minister added the entire country is dependent on the Eastern region for food security. The Gangetic plains, being extremely fertile, are able to ensure food security of the entire country. The Eastern Plateau can play an important role in increasing yield in fruits and vegetables.
The minister said despite abundance of ground water in the Eastern region, the region lacks groundwater harnessing due to lack of energy. He said the Narendra Modi Government’s focus on increasing electricity generation and ensuring power supply for household and agriculture will help alleviate this problem.
The Minister expressed the hope that a network of institutions being established for promoting research, innovation and technical expertise will go a long way in sparking a massive boom in agriculture and allied activities across the region.