Mysore: “Agriculture, which is making significant contribution to the country’s GDP growth, should be included in the curriculum of schools and colleges to boost farming,” opined Prof. K.S. Rangappa, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore (UoM).

He was speaking after inaugurating a seminar on “Agricultural and Financial Literacy” organised jointly by Centre for Proficiency Development and Placement Services (CPDPS), UoM, Akashavani, Mysore, Prasara Bharathi and NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), as part of ‘Marali Baa Mannige’ radio series programme at Rani Bahadur Auditorium in Manasagangotri here this morning.

Regretting that 13 million farmers across the country are discarding agriculture to take up other professions, Prof. Rangappa expressed concern over diminishing farmland.

Pointing out that the number of those taking to agriculture profession is shrinking by the day, he said that this is mainly due to the public perception that agriculture is unrewarding.

Stressing on the need for urgent measures to save farming, Prof. Rangappa called upon the farming community to adopt more economical means and advanced technology in farming and thus supplement their income.

Dr. Anand V. Patil, Deputy Director, Akashavani, Mysore, presided. Prof. N. Usharani and Prof. Y.S. Siddegowda, Coordinators, UGC-UPE, N. Keshavamurthy, Programme Executive (Agriculture), Akashavani, Mysore and others were present. The day-long seminar features presentations by eminent resource persons, followed by an interactive session later in the afternoon.

More than 300 scholars, students and members of the farming community are taking part in the seminar.