Chennai, August 7: A three-day international conference on eradication of poverty and hunger, convened by the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) to mark the agricultural scientist’s 85th birthday, got under way in Chennai today.
Inaugurating the meet, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said he always had the goal of making the state a hunger-free state. He was also particular that children were provided enough nourishment so that they were not affected physically and psychologically.
Karunanidhi listed out the midday meals scheme for schoolchildren, the Kalaignar health insurance scheme, the free ambulance service and other welfare activities undertaken by the government which has ensured that the population level is under control and the death rate has dipped.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah, who was among the guests of honour, called for research in universities to make arid lands also productive lands. He said biotechnology should be used in agriculture to overcome food shortage which was looming large ahead for India.
MSSRF chairman, Dr M S Swaminathan, delivered the special address.
Union Minister Palanimanickam and state ministers Arcot N. Veerasamy, Duraimurugan, T M Anbarasan and K N Nehru, were part of the audience.
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