Food Security And Innovation Key To Self-reliant, Developed India, Says Deputy CM
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Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Wednesday said that scientific research and innovation will play a critical role in strengthening food security and building a self-reliant India.
He was speaking at the inauguration of a four-day international conference on “Pathogens, Plant Health and Food Security: Climate Resilient Agriculture and Landscape Conservation” at Amity University, Lucknow. The event brought together leading scientists, researchers and experts to discuss sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Maurya inaugurated the conference by lighting the ceremonial lamp. He was welcomed by the university with a traditional shawl and turban and presented with a sapling. During the event, he also released a book titled Pathogens, Plant Health and Food Security and honoured senior scientists from across the country with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
In his address, Maurya said that agriculture, innovation and modern technology must work together to build a developed India. He noted that food security is not limited to production, but also includes storage, cold chains, processing, quality and effective marketing.
Calling India an agrarian country, he said Uttar Pradesh has some of the most fertile land in the country, but farmers often do not get fair returns due to gaps in storage, cold chain infrastructure and value addition. He stressed the need for research and policy support to address these issues.
He urged scientists to develop technologies that can protect crops from natural disasters such as heavy rainfall and hailstorms. He also highlighted the need to focus on quality alongside quantity so that Indian agricultural products can compete globally.
Maurya said infrastructure development in the state, including road, rail and air connectivity, has improved significantly, helping attract investment. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is focusing on empowering farmers, youth and women.
He pointed out that women associated with self-help groups are becoming financially independent through food processing and that the government aims to take them from “Lakhpati Didis” to “Crorepati Didis”. He also highlighted the success of the ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) scheme in promoting local products globally and said similar efforts are being made to promote regional food products.
The Deputy CM said India is steadily strengthening its position in the global economy and is moving towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He added that scientists, researchers and young people will play a key role in achieving this vision.
The conference is being organised jointly by the Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation (AFAF), Amity University Lucknow campus and the Indian Society of Mycology and Plant Pathology (ISMPP).
Amity Education Group founder president Ashok K. Chauhan, who joined virtually, said that being from a farming background, he understands the challenges faced by farmers. He expressed confidence that such global collaborations will help India grow as a leader in agriculture and beyond.
Chairman of Amity University Lucknow, Aseem Chauhan, also speaking virtually, stressed the importance of rural infrastructure, value addition and the use of advanced technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence in agriculture.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Anil Vashishtha said the conference provides a strong platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, especially at a time when climate change, plant diseases and pressure on food systems are rising.
Several scientists spoke during the sessions, highlighting issues such as climate change, emerging plant diseases, pesticide risks and the need for sustainable farming practices. Experts also underlined the importance of moving from food sufficiency to nutritional security.
The conference also saw recognition of scientific excellence, with awards given to distinguished researchers for their contributions.
The four-day event is being attended by scientists, academicians, policymakers and researchers from across the country and abroad to deliberate on key challenges in agriculture, plant health and food security.
