Technology is Prime Mover of Productivity in Agriculture

ASRB Celebrated 38th Foundation Day

New Delhi, 01 November, 2011

‘Technology is the main prime mover of productivity in agriculture where natural resources are fixed. At least one third of the future growth in productivity should come through innovations in crop technology. For advanced technological innovations, we should focus on attracting and retaining young talents with agriculture research system. Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board should focus its future plan on this important point’, said Dr Y K Alagh, renowned scientist and visionary. He was addressing 38th Foundation Day of ASRB as Chief Guest.

Enumerating the key challenges before Indian agricultural sector he described food inflation as a big issue amidst rising income and limited land and water resources. Pressure on food demand is likely to remain strong over the 12th Plan period although consumption is likely to be more diversified as cereals now account for only 15% of the total consumption expenditure. He suggested that food security bill and provision to give free food to poorest will prepare an inclusive system in the country. Building social and human infrastructure and diversifying Indian agriculture will be the key factor for the economic growth of the country, he added.

Dr S Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research urged young scientists to relate themselves in bigger picture. ‘Making goal oriented strategic organizations and adopting new tools for recruitment process should be the focus area for ASRB. New emerging challenges are creating a unique opportunity for young and talented agricultural scientists, ASRB should grab these opportunities’, said Dr Ayyappan.

Dr Gurubachan Singh, Chairman, ASRB hoped that upgradation of ASRB infrastructure will continue with current pace and Board is planning to conduct ARS and NET examination online from 2012 onwards. He also stressed the need of talented agricultural scientists to ensure and sustain nutritional and food security in the country.

Prof M J Modayil, Member, ASRB presented a brief note on major activities of ASRB. Dr V N Sharda, Member, ASRB and Dr H S Gupta, Director, Indian Agriculture Research Institute also graced the occasion. Former Chairman and Members of ASRB, Directors of ICAR institutes and senior officials of ICAR also participated in the programme.

ASRB was established on Nov 1, 1973 as an independent recruitment agency for ICAR. The board is charged with the responsibility of recruitment of Scientists and to such other posts and services as may be specified by the President, ICAR from time to time through competitive examinations and direct recruitment by selection, etc. as the principal mandate to make available the best human resources to man the various positions in ICAR in the country. 

(Source: NAIP Sub-Project on Mass Media Mobilization, DKMA)