Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harshvardhan today exhorted the scientists of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) to sustain and further increase the agricultural production under changing climatic scenario in the country.

It was necessary to use modern tools and scientific innovations to combat the impact of climate change, Harshavardhan said on his visit to TNAU to review various research projects funded by the State and National Science and Technology promotion agencies, including Department of Science and Technology.

He had an overview of TNAU’s research, education and extension activities ranging from high-end basic research and cutting-edge technologies, including biotechnology, bioinformatics, nano science on the one hand, and technologies for sustainable agriculture
on the other.

He visited Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CPMB and B),
Department of Nano Science and Technology, and Post Harvest Technology Centre
and lauded the efforts of CPMB and B in developing crop varieties adapted to water deficit conditions and also changing climatic scenario.

The scientists and students highlighted the research achievements as well as on-going activities in varietal development, biotechnology, horticulture, microbiology, post-harvest processing and agri-business promotion, to the minister, who evinced keen interest and interacted with the scientists and offered valuable suggestions.

He also visited class rooms and interacted with students from various States, and countries including Africa, and got feedback on the education system in TNAU.