Agronomist plays key role in raising crop yield: Swaminathan

Expressing concern over lower crop yields, renowned farm scientist M S Swaminathan today emphasised the role of "agronomist" in realising higher farm productivity through better agronomic management practice.
He also called upon farm scientists to recommend real time solutions to the farming community.
"Indian scientists are keeping the flag of green revolution high... It is agronomists who can realise potential yield of any variety through better agronomic management practice," Swaminathan said at the 4th International Agronomy Congress organised by Indian Society of Agronomy here.
While stressing upon judicious use of natural resources, he said stubble burning in northern India is one of the example of wastage of resources, which otherwise could be turned to wealth if managed properly.

Swaminathan, who is known as Father of India's Green Revolution, also spoke about conservation and product-based strategy of food production system, said a statement released by agri research body IARI, which is part of ICAR.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General Trilochan Mohapatra talked about the importance of agronomy and emphasised on the need to develop "agronomic technologies" for effective solution for rice crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana through conservation.

He also advocated refinement and standardisation of agricultural technologies recommended by the scientists through multi-locational testing and verification.
Besides, Mohapatra said global experts need to "define sustainability parameters and work out sustainability indices which will ease the way to calibrate different farming systems and customise them for different situations".

He also stressed that global experts should focus on holistic approach of research to ensure zero-hunger.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Director Ravinder Kaur said there is a need to address erosion of natural resources and pitched for harmonious management of agriculture and supporting biosphere.