Volume 1

Perspectives in science & technology : technical reports / by the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.

  • India. Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.
Date:
[1990], ©1990
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: Perspectives in science & technology : technical reports / by the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    application of biotechnology, we should initiate action to tackle the emerging problems of noncommunicable diseases like cancer, cardio- and cerebro-vascular diseases, traffic accidents, drug abuse and diseases due to” occupational and environmental toxins. @ We should also anticipate and work towards providing health care for the hundred million or so people who would be above the age of 60 by the year 2001 AD. Furthermore, while planning, we must be conscious of the urban and rural needs that are distinct, and take region-specific health care and delivery to the district level with the equipment required to derive maximum advantage. 4.2 Food @ One of the most important achievements of S&T in India has been its role in the green revolution brought about by developing high-yielding crop varieties and the package of practices for their full expression. This itself was made possible by a strong political will. However, the scenario for the coming years is rather alarming unless food production increases from the present annual figure of 150 million tonnes to 180 million tonnes by the start of the Eighth Five Year Plan and then to 300 million tonnes by the tum of the century. If this does not happen, India is likely to face a food crisis that will be reminiscent of the 1960s. Such targets cannot be reached without new scientific breakthroughs backed up by an overhauled, vibrant and innovative research and laboratory-to-land management. @ Major S&T inputs will be needed to get breakthroughs in achieving higher genetic production potential, efficient use of plant nutrients, soil and water management, tissue culture, arid zone cultivation etc. While expand- ing the irrigation facilities, greater attention will have to be paid to the im- provement of drainage so that the soil-plant relationship is not lost sight of. Constraint analysis for the unsatisfactory increase of production in irrigated areas should be taken up on a priority basis. Urgent steps should be taken to grow crops suiting different agro-ecological conditions so that the concept of specialty agriculture can gain ground and all crops are not grown in all areas. Improvement of productivity level of rain-fed agriculture, with emphasis on improved breeds with high genetic potential for productivity, is another crying need in this area. Whereas the problem with oil seeds persists, the one on pulses is beginning to assume alarming proportions and may need attention on a mission mode. Establishment of downstream food processing industries will help in preservation and value addition and in