Hyderabad: Professor M.S. Swaminathan speaks about farm loan waiver and other agricultural issues.
The governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have promised to waive off agricultural loans of farmers. What is your opinion on this?
Waiver of farm loans is not an ideal solution. To ensure that the situation is not repeated, the government should focus on creating a robust system to extend the necessary ingredients of farming such as water harvesting systems, seed and fertiliser supplements. This will help farmers deal with tough situations in agriculture.
The new Census 2011 data revealed a shrinking farmer population and rise in farmer suicides in India. Your comments?
It is a matter of shame for our country that we are not able to save our farmers who produce food for our survival. It is a failure that despite having the best of farming science and technology, it is not reaching the farmers. Droughts are not uncommon. Rain harvesting should be made mandatory and should be made more systematic to ensure that every drop of rain is preserved. The rain harvesting system adopted in Cherrapunji has helped in ensuring the availability of water throughout the year.
You stressed on the need of adapting ‘Zero Hunger Program’ in the country.
The Zero Hunger programme is a successful policy adapted by the Brazil government that clearly contributed to its fight against poverty. It works on five concepts: 1) No stunted growth in children 2) Access to food throughout the year; 3) Food system should be sustainable 4) 100 per cent increase in food productivity 5) Zero loss of food. Lot of food wastage is observed in urban areas, especially in hotels. Food loss is also seen at the production stage.
What were the suggestion given to the new government at the Centre and were they included in the Budget 2014-2015?
‘Protein Revolution’ through increased production of pulses was suggested which would help in eradication of malnutrition in the country. Other projects from Icrisat included in the Budget were: Water harvesting system, balanced use of fertilisers, soil mapping through survey and health cards of soil to farmers which would help keep them updated, and a Genome Centre for agriculture.
What do you have to say about use of BT seeds and the controversy surrounding it?
BT seeds are generally used for increased yield and disease resistance. It is a land saving technology in which small land area can have increased productivity without ecological harm. But, over the years it has been found to lose its quality. There is need of a regulatory mechanism through an independent regulatory authority. The authority should ensure transparent assessment of GM crops.
