Embark on second green revolution:President

Thodupuzha, Dec 18

The President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam today said that it was time for the country to embark upon the second green revolution as it would help enhance productivity in the agricultural sector.

Addressing farmers after inaugurating the Karshaka Mela at Thodupuzha in the Idukki district, Dr Kalam said the production of cereals needs to be increased from the present 200 to 400 million tonnes by 2020 in view of the population growth. Given the tough competition from other producing countries for rubber, tea, coffee, coconut and spices, Dr Kalam advised the farmers to inject new technology and innovative methods to ensure continuous growth and increased productivity.

The requirement of land for the increasing population and for greater afforestation and environmental preservation activities would mean that the present 170 million hectares of 
arable land would have to be brought down to 100 million hectares by 2020.