New Delhi: President A P J Abdul Kalam on January 25 unfolded a map of the country's
strength and challenges, making a strong case for a second green revolution to
increase agricultural productivity in view of growing demand and shrinkage in
availability of cultivable land.
In his address to the nation on eve of Republic Day, the President said the country
had nurtured its Democratic traditions, made significant strides in force
multiplication of defence system with electronic warfare capabilities, as also in
the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes.
He, however, pointed out that the country needed to raise its cereal production from
200 million tonnes to 300 million tonnes by 2020, when availability of arable land
would stand reduced from 170 million hectares to 100 million hectares because of
population pressure and environmental needs.
The President also stressed the need for emergence of transparency in governance,
saying the government had to build a name for itself by fast decision-making and
transparent administration, while "media should become a partner and promoter critic
in national development".
Referring to recent elections in Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir, Kalam said the
people of J and K should be congratulated for showing immense courage in upholding
Democratic traditions despite cross-border terrorism.
He said Election Commission, Central and state government machineries, as also media
and political parties deserved appreciation for the success of this process,
despite "the passions of competitive politics".
The President said the country's Defence scientists had enabled the nation to force
multiply the defence system with electronic warfare capabilities, radars, underwater
sensors and weapons.
He said the country's nuclear scientists were currently constructing eight reactors,
the highest number anywhere in the world this year.
Appreciating the success of space scientists in the country in achieving a series of
successful launches and orbiting satellites, the President expressed the hope that
they would be able to deliver higher payload in the orbit for the given takeoff
weight.
PTI
