MESSAGE

Indian agriculture and horticulture are the foundations and bases of food and nutritional security. The National Food Security Bill (NFSB)-2013 and the NFSA-2013 make access to food a right of citizens administered through a targeted public distribution system (TPDS), India is now a food surplus and grain exporting country. Food grain production has reached 340.40 million tones and horticultural crops an all time record of 352.23 million tonnes. Despite the availability of food and nutrition components, access is limited to 86.3% of Indian population and 13.7% of population are hungry and deprived. Unemployment is rampant. Food riots are not uncommon.

Agricultural and horticultural scientists have pivotal role to make India hunger free and people healthy and wealthy (increased purchasing power). The Uttar Pradesh based SOCIETY FOR ADVANCEMENT IN AGRICULTURE RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SAARD) is established to bridge the gap between farmers and scientists. Holding front line demonstrations at farmers’ fields, conducting trainings, organizing farm visits, providing linkage between farmers and financial institutions. Publication of success stories of farming and bringing farmers to the political decision makers and above all bringing dignity to farming and farmers are the objectives of SAARD.

The society is managed by the well known scientists in the area where Agricultural Universities, ICAR Research Institutes and above all the most productive farms are located.

I convey the best of wishes to the functionaries, members-farmers, scientists, trade, students-who have enrolled in the society.

May Indian farmers derive dignity, wealth and wellness through SAARD.

(Y.C.GUPTA)