PM calls for focus on agriculture and clean energy research

Modi reiterated his view that scientific research should be geared towards problems of the common man and wanted clear targets to be met by 2022, India’s 75th year of independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with top officials in the ministry of science and technology on Thursday and called for greater focus on technologies that will help in solving the country’s problems, particularly emphasising on agriculture and clean energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with top officials from the Ministry of science and technology, headed by Harsh Vardhan. ((REUTERS Photo))

In the agriculture sector, the Prime Minister identified high-protein pulses, fortified foods, and value addition in castor, as priority areas which needed to be accelerated. That Indian innovation in clean energy was to rely on reducing dependence on energy imports.

The officials briefed the Prime Minister on progress in various areas of scientific research. He said that the government's priority in the science and technology sector is to apply science to solve our country's problems.

“One of the thrust areas is “science communication, according to Ashutosh Sharma, secretary of department of science and technology, with the aim of building scientific temper among students and attract them to science at an early age.

The Prime Minister called on the scientists to draw up well-defined targets to be achieved by 2022, when India celebrated its 75th year of independence.

With ANI inputs