Seeds and technology research has not been included in the Karnataka Union Budget 2023.
There has been no monetary support to enhance the research in seeds and technology in the Karnataka Union Budget 2023-24 said Sujeer, a Village Extension Officer in an exhibition on ‘Seeds of Culture’ which was conducted by Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM).
Gajraj, a visitor at the exhibition said, “It is important for the country to invest in seeds technology and research, this exhibition shows how significant seeds and agriculture are for the nation.” He added that agriculture is something that affects everyone so more attention should be given to it.
Visitors to the Seeds of Culture exhibition feel that focus on seeds and their research is important due to the significance of spices in India’s history.
Maheshwari, a PU college student said, “This exhibition showed me the history of agriculture and how India has been the center of attraction due to its spices.”
Sujeer said that the next generations should live in a country where science and technology are appreciated. He added that they would then ‘take it to the next level’.
Maheshwari added, “Such exhibitions should be conducted more often so that the next generation learns the importance of agriculture.”
Sujeer said, “The government is more focused on spreading its political ideologies and is not focusing on what is important.”
Gopal Krishna, Education Officer at VITM said, “Government is already doing a lot for the agriculture sector. It is focusing on the development of agriculture awareness.”
However, he said that the government is doing enough for the research and development of seeds and there is no need for a separate allocation for seed research.
VITM is a unit of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCSM). It is celebrating the 46th NCSM Foundation Day with an exhibition in collaboration with NCBS and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
The exhibition provides an overview of the contribution of Indian traditional knowledge in botany and medicine in the global context.
