Agriculture’s transformation top policy priority: PM

Kolkata  :  The transformation of agriculture must be top priority of public policies, including those on science and technology, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Thursday.

Speaking at the India Science Congress centenary session, Manmohan Singh said science, technology and innovation had an important role in achieving objectives of rapid and inclusive growth.

“We must harness the tools of science to cater to the needs of the underprivileged and bridge the gap between the haves and have-nots,” Manmohan Singh said.

The event was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee at Salt Lake Stadium here. He also released the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy that aspires to position India among the top five global scientific powers by 2020.

The prime minister said the theme of the event — ‘Science for Shaping the Future of India’ — reflected the dream of every generation of Indian scientists.

“The transformation of agriculture must be top priority concern of our public policies, including science and technology policies,” he said.

Manmohan Singh said science must help in establishing an inclusive society that sought to solve social problems through the application of science.

The Jan 3-7 event will see participation of six Nobel laureates and 60 scientists from abroad besides 15,000 participants, including students.