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“THINKING ABOUT the progress of the State without development of farmers is a farce, as MP is an agriculture-based State,’’ Finance Minister Raghavji said here on Friday, adding that able leadership and options should be provided to ensure that farmers are not driven to suicide.

The Finance Minister was speaking at the concluding function of the three-day programme organised by the MP Council of Science and Technology (MPSCT) to mark National Technology Day. Raghavji said if agriculture productivity increased it would lead to increase in gross domestic produce (GDP) and the per capita income. He also spoke of the need to pay attention to alternative energy sources keeping in view the power crisis.

The finance minister also expressed concern over disillusionment of children with science education and said ‘mission excellence’ should be implemented properly to enhance employment opportunities and skills of workers to remove backwardness.

He also said recommendations coming out of the three-day discussions on new frontiers of science would help in the progress of the State. He unveiled a statue of Lord Vishwakarma – considered the divine architect.

MPCST director general Dr Mahesh Sharma, who presided over the function, said by using its rich biodiversity, Madhya Pradesh could become one of the leading states in the country.

He said MPCST had begun work of documenting the scientific heritage of the State and soon a national level congregation would be held in memory of Dharmapal, who played an important role in conserving this heritage. The DG also expressed his concern on global warming.

Science and technology department principal secretary IS Dani, former vice-chancellor of Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Prof R R Das and Ravindra Sharma of Kala Ashram, Adilabad, were present as the special guests and also expressed their views on the occasion.

MPCST executive director Dr Narendra Mehrotra delivered the welcome address. Earlier, Dr N P Shukla spoke on Biodiversity Excellence Centre and sustainable development in biodiversity, Dr Rajesh Sharma spoke on EDUSAT programme, Nirupama Deshpande presented a report on NGOs’ discussion session and Dr Manjulata Jain on teachers’ symposium.
Joint director Dr V K Sharma conducted the proceedings while director of the Remote Sensing Application Centre Dr P K Verma proposed the vote of thanks.

AMPRI: National Technology Day was also celebrated at Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI) – formerly Regional Research Laboratory – on Friday. Director of AMPRI, Dr N Ramakrishnan highlighted the importance of technology day celebrations and briefed about the Research and Development activities at the laboratory, specifically on advanced materials and natural fibre (Sisal) based products.

Textile expert from Ahmedabad Textile Industries Research Association (ATIRA) Dr Harshe Shripad Narhar delivered a special lecture on `industrial applications of cellulose, starch and gum’.

Senior scientist Dr Mohini Saxena welcomed the guests while senior scientist Dr Navinchand proposed vote of thanks. Dr Narhar was introduced by Dr C B Raju.
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