Chennai: In a significant convocation address delivered at the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Tanuvas) on Saturday, Niranjan Kalita, the vice-chancellor of Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, highlighted the pressing challenge of shrinking resources like land and workforce. He stressed the urgent necessity to scale up production to adequately feed an additional one crore people annually in India.
Addressing Population Projections and Resource Constraints
Kalita pointed out that India's population is projected to reach a staggering 165 crore by the year 2047. This demographic surge underscores the critical need for enhanced agricultural and livestock productivity. He emphasized that a shortage of feed and fodder remains one of the most persistent and daunting challenges facing the nation's agricultural sector.
Strategies to Overcome Fodder Shortages
To tackle this issue effectively, Kalita proposed a multi-faceted approach. First, he advocated for the promotion of high-yielding fodder varieties that can maximize output per unit of land. Second, he called for the implementation of effective crop residue management techniques to reduce waste and utilize by-products efficiently. Third, he encouraged farmers to adopt agroforestry practices, which integrate trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to enhance sustainability. Finally, he emphasized the importance of integrating livestock with crop production to create a more resilient and productive farming system.
The Need for Technological and Social Transformation
Kalita further remarked that the current age of transformation, marked by advancements in artificial intelligence, research, and data centers, has yet to make India fully self-reliant and competitive on technological, social, and cultural fronts. He implied that leveraging these innovations could play a crucial role in addressing the agricultural challenges and achieving food security for the growing population.
Convocation Ceremony Highlights
Earlier in the event, Governor R N Ravi conferred degrees upon 699 students, comprising 307 girls and 392 boys, recognizing their academic achievements. However, the ceremony saw the absence of Fisheries Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan, who serves as the pro-chancellor of the university. This marked the second instance this month where a state minister did not attend a university convocation. Both ministers were unavailable for comment, leaving questions about their absence unanswered.
The convocation served as a platform to not only celebrate academic success but also to underscore the vital role of veterinary and agricultural sciences in ensuring India's future food security amidst rising population pressures.
