Thursday, May 18 2006 12:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Renowned agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan today (May 18, 2006) said the 3.5 million tonne wheat import was a 'wake up call to improve farm productivity to meet the needs of growing 1.1 billion Indian population.

"The wheat import is a wake-up call. We must improve our agricultural production, productivity so that we have enough of marketable surplus," he told sources here.

However, he said there is no crisis like situation in the country's food grain position as existed during the pre-green revolution days.

"The decision to go in for wheat import this year was taken to replenish the food stock, which fell short of buffer norm," he said.

He, however, said, "We have to strike a balance between the interest of farmers and consumers".

"The Government has to perform a difficult task in finding a balance between containment of food budget with simultaneous uphill task of ensuring food security in the country," he said.

On the upcoming monsoon season, he said, "It would be extremely important this year against the backdrop of shortfall in Rabi production output last year".

"Healthy monsoon rainfall with equitable distribution holds the key for healthy Kharif production for crops like rice, oilseeds, pulses and millets," he added.

He also highlighted the critical role of agricultural extension services that included adequate availability of seeds and fertilisers.