Modern technology in agriculture

Agriculture is one of the ancient occupations of man. It provides food for the mankind. During 20^th century the population has been enormously increased. To cope up with increased population, there was a need of rapid growth in agricultural production. The green revolution in India initiated as technology mission increased agricultural productivity during 1960s. Technology has played a big role in developing the agricultural industry. Hybrid seeds, fertilizers and pesticides were introduced. Tractors, tillers and other equipments were used. The food grain production has been increased to comfortable level. Transportation and marketing facilities have been increased. Cooling facilities have helped to preserve vegetables for longer periods. Biotechnology is a boon to farmers.

Agricultural productivity is vital but environmental protection is equally important. Due to the use of tractors, the farmers stopped to use bullocks to till the land. In turn production and use of organic manure was decreased. The use of fertilizers and pesticides has caused soil pollution. Organic farming is once again getting importance. Due to the over use of technology in agriculture, the cost of production of agricultural products has been increased. The farmers are committing suicide which is a bad trend. Now the concept of zero farming is getting importance. Due to irrigation the nature of soil has been changed. The soil is losing its fertility. Due to the increase of borewells, groundwater has been depleted in an alarming rate. 

-Gnaneswara T.N., A.M., G.H.S., Albur, Tiptur Tq., Tumakuru Dist. PIN: 572224 mob: 9164389346 e-mail: gnaneswaratn@gmail.com

Gulliver's Travels

I read 'Gulliver's Travels' written by Jonathan Swift. It includes four parts. Part one and Part two include 8 chapters each. Part three includes 11 chapters and Part four includes 12 chapters. It is a novel in the form of travelogue. The narrator travels to four islands. In the beginning it was believed that the narrator (Gulliver) was the author and it was a real travelogue. The publisher stated that Gulliver was his cousin. A letter from Gulliver to the publisher is included in the book.

Agripreneur

The concept of an “Agripreneur” is slowly gaining ground in the agriculture sector in the country. The term entrepreneur is quite familiar; so is the term agriculturist. The agripreneur is one who plays the role of an entrepreneur in the field of agriculture.

Wings of Fire

I read Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam's autobiography 'Wings of Fire'. Arun Tiwari, who worked under Abdul Kalam for over a decade in DRDL, is the co-author. Arun Tiwari writes in the preface: "I could include in this book only a few incidents among the many narrated to me by Dr. Kalam. In fact, this book provides only a thumbnail sketch of Dr. Kalam's life." Abdul Kalam has dedicated this book to his parents. His poem 'My Mother' is included in the beginning of the book. The book is divided into 4 parts: Orientation, Creation, Propitiation and Contemplation. It also includes an Introduction and an Epilogue. 32 photos and 2 cartoons are included in the book. Dr. Kalam quotes lines from English poetry. The language used is simple and lucid. Kalam's achievements and failures as a scientist are mainly narrated in the book. The book was first published in 1999. 49th impression of it is published in 2015. Universities Press has published the book. It has 180 pages.

Things Fall Apart

I read the novel 'Things Fall Apart' written by African writer Chinua Achebe. It is the story of a tribal warrior Okonkwo who commits suicide at the end of the novel. It is also the story of the disintegration of an African tribe after the immigration of Christian missionary. The novel also depicts the superstitions and beliefs of the tribal community.