AGARTALA, Sept 25 � Taking a cue from the Green Revolution of the late 1960�s, President Pratibha Patil today gave a clarion call for the second Green Revolution to ensure food security.
�The first Green Revolution had taken the nation towards self sufficiency in foodgrains. As we seek food security for all it is now time for the second Green Revolution�, the President said while addressing a civic reception programme organised by Agartala Municipal Council (AMC) here on Friday.
�The country has made considerable progress but our work must continue as we strive to make India a developed nation. This demands contribution by every citizen as well as by every region and State of the country�, she said.
The President, who came here on a two-day visit, was accorded with a warm reception by Governor Dr DY Patil and Chief Minister Manik Sarkar. �I am impressed with the way I was received by the people here�, the President said.
Stressing the need on balanced development, the President said, �Poverty eradication is a primary goal and this linked with giving people income earning and employment opportunities�, adding that consistent efforts would be needed to ensure the growth of skilled employment and expansion of sustainable livelihood.
The President said, �For the North East, development of infrastructure is more important. Efforts in that field must continue as increased connectivity will facilitate two way movements of people and goods within the region and outside�.
PTI adds: President Patil today said that traditional knowledge of the North East should be identified and documented for the benefit of future generations.
�The States of the North East are known for their reservoirs of traditional knowledge in many areas. Efforts should be made to identify this knowledge, document it, conserve it and improve it,� Patil said in her Convocation address at the Tripura University here.
The President, who is also the Visitor of the University said, universities in the region could think of new manufacturing methods, product design and development to help artisans.
�Efforts can also be made to document these techniques so that traditional artisans can be helped in passing on this knowledge to future generation of craft-persons,� she said.
Tourism also had a good potential in the State which required to be harnessed for economic development, she said.
Tripura Governor D Y Patil, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, University Chancellor Amiya Kumar Bagchi and Vice-Chancellor Arunoday Saha also spoke on the occasion.
