Jammu, February 7-2014, CNS:- Stressing on the need of utilizing science, technology and innovations for the benefit of common man, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday identified agriculture, horticulture and bio-mass energy generation as the areas in Jammu and Kashmir requiring intervention of science for inclusive and comprehensive growth.
“In Jammu and Kashmir about 70% population is rural and agriculture is their mainstay. Horticulture and related activities are also of pivotal importance in the State’s economy”, he said adding that the intervention of scientific innovations and technological advancement in these fields are imperative for overall development and growth of the State. “I would like that the researches in the labs should smoothly transfer to the people and scientific innovations are utilised for the amelioration of common people”, he said.
Addressing the valedictory function of 101stIndian Science Congress in Jammu University here this afternoon chaired by the Vice President of India, M. Hamid Ansari and attended by J&K Governor, N. N. Vohra, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and other dignitaries, Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir has greater scope of generating energy from the abundantly available bio-mass in the shape of weeds in Dal and other lakes.
“My endeavour is to invite scientific intervention in converting these weeds into the energy for the economic welfare of the State and the people. In this regard I have taken up this issue with various scientists and technological institutions”, he said and asked the Indian Science Congress to venture in this field and provide a feasible mechanism to the State to achieve the cherished goal in this regard.
The Chief Minister also sought scientific intervention in the inclusive development and management of agricultural and horticultural practices in high altitudes areas like Leh and Kargil. He said that most of the Kandi areas in the State are rain fed and require technological support to undertake agricultural activities that would enable the farmers to earn remunerative income and help significant increase in productivity and production. He said this avenue is also open to the scientists for research.
Omar Abdullah maintained that health sector is yet another area requiring scientific support for its inclusive growth and said that research and its outcomes on reasonable cost will give forward push to the universalisation modern health initiatives in the State.
The Chief Minister congratulating the participants and the organizers of the Indian Science Congress and maintained that in the brain storming sessions eminent scientists and experts have dwelt on pertinent themes and issues of great value. He suggested that the recommendations finalised in the Congress for utilization of scientific innovations for inclusive growth should be sent to all the State Governments besides the Government of India.
Omar Abdullah said the hallmark of Indian Science Congress has been the collaboration between experts and airing of scientific views and opinions through discussions and debates and the synthesis between theoretical and applied sciences. “All this is aimed at harnessing innovations in Science and Technology for inclusive growth”, he said and elaborated that the deliberations and research papers forming part of the Congress need to be circulated to all the States for guidance in their endeavours to utilise science, technology and innovations for inclusive growth which was the topic of deliberations in the 101st Indian Science Congress.
The Chief Minister expressed the hope that the next Indian Science Congress will not take 100 years to travel to Jammu and Kashmir but the organizers would schedule next Congress in the State as soon as possible. He congratulated the organizers and welcomed the Vice President, M. Hamid Ansari for addressing the valedictory session of the Congress.
In his speech, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah described organizing of Indian Science Congress in Jammu and Kashmir as an historic event and said that it has provided great opportunity for creating scientific temper in the State among the students and research scholars.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah highlighted the achievements India has registered in the field of science and technology and stressed the need of maintaining the pace of progress in this direction. He congratulated the organizers of the Congress and welcomed the Vice President M. Hamid Ansari.
Governor Jammu and Kashmir, N. N. Vohra also delivered his lecture while the General President of Indian Science Congress welcomed the Vice President and other dignitaries in his welcome address.
The 101st Indian Science Congress was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh here 3rd February and Vice President of India delivered his valedictory speech on the conclusion of the Congress today on 7th of February.