Vice chancellor George John (right) of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, looks for a second green revolution

Vice chancellor George John today stressed that Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) would have to come out with location specific, low-cost farm technologies in bringing about a second green revolution in eastern India.

Addressing the 34th Rabi Research Council meeting of BAU, he urged scientists at BAU to identify two priority areas for launching flagship programmes of the university which could have national recognition. These could include areas like of preservation of traditional germplasm or restoration of traditional farm practices and restoration of soil health.

John said increasing productivity, profitability and sustainability of agriculture and allied sectors should be the focus of all research efforts at BAU.

Emeritus scientist of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research S. M. S. Tomar said the objective of research was to develop usable, cheap and economically viable technologies and for this purpose, scientists should focus on fundamental and basic research.

For mitigating the harsh impacts of the environment, like high temperature, inadequate rainfall etc, focus should be on short duration crop varieties, he added.

Expressing concern over the increasing application of chemical fertilisers, plant breeding expert of GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Uttarakhand, B.S. Mahapatra said nutrient use efficiency had come down to its lowest in India and the need of the hour was to substitute chemical fertilisers by organics to revive the soil.