Need for futuristic approach in research

Thrissur: Doubling farmers' income is not feasible without cutting down on chemical inputs,  says Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) deputy director general of crop science Dr A.K. Singh.

Inaugurating the 27th group meeting of All India Coordinated Research Programmes on biocontrol of crop pests hosted by  Kerala Agricultural University here on Thursday, he called for a futuristic approach to research.  

“Biological control is significant in cutting down the cost of cultivation. We should notice that the loss of crop on account of pests and other diseases is to the tune of 15-35 per cent," he said. "Even while appreciating the contributions of biocontrol research, we should ensure that research agenda should not be stagnant. All along, biological control has been hovering around pest control, and only one of the 28 centres has contributed to disease management.”

He also said that the disease management was an area where chemicals were predominantly used and hence developing biological protocols for it is vital and highly relevant. 

"In the case of several crops like apple, pear or pineapple, it would also affect the environment," he said. 

"Thus biocontrol mechanisms lead to better soil, a better environment and better health for the end user."

KAU vice-chancellor Dr R.Chandrababu presided over the function.