As the world is grappling with the need to increase both the output and quality of food to meet the fast growing demand, undoubtedly the application of science and technology to agriculture is becoming increasingly critical. In fact, had it not been for the application of science and technology global food production would have lagged much more seriously behind demand than it currently stands.
The publication Science for Americans notes that “agricultural productivity has grown through the use of machines and fertilizers. Machines and the fossil-fuel engines needed to power them have made it possible for one person to cultivate and harvest more land, to cultivate more different kinds of land, and to feed and use the parts and products of greater numbers of plants and animals. Chemical fertilizers are widely used in the western hemisphere to supplement inadequate soil nutrients, in place of the manure used in many other parts of the world. One risk in the heavy use of machinery and fertilizers is the temptation to exhaust the soil from overuse. For that reason, the U.S. government encourages agricultural producers to take land out of production periodically and to take steps to restore the natural richness of the soil.”
It adds: “In the twentieth century, the success of modern genetics has helped to increase the natural variability within plant species by using radiation to induce mutations, so that there are more choices for selective breeding. Scientists are now learning how to modify the genetic material of organisms directly. As we learn more about how the genetic code works (it is virtually the same for all life forms), it is becoming possible to move genes from one organism to another. With knowledge of what genetic code sequences control what functions, some characteristics can be transferred from one species to another; this technique may eventually lead to the design of new characteristics. For example, plants can be given the genetic programme for synthesizing substances that give them resistance to insect predators.”
The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) points out that science and technology (S&T) have made great contributions to the development of modern agriculture. At present, the contribution of S&T to agricultural growth in China is around 45%, and above 70% in developed countries. Compared with developed countries, weaknesses of developing countries appear as relatively poor background research, insufficient research achievements, unstable research staffs, slow adoption of achievements, slow speed of industrialisation, and fund shortages in high-tech research and development etc.
Our country which has an agricultural based economy is now engaged in modernising the agriculture sector through the application of science and technology. In this regard we are behind many countries having had a legacy of colonial/plantation type of agriculture and long period of economic stagnation coupled a neglect of the sector under the previous government.
However, with the implementation of forward looking agricultural policies and programmes the sector is developing at a rapid rate with the implementation of several major projects geared towards modernisation of the sector. Of course, in this regard the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project has been the flagship in the transformation of the sugar industry which is the backbone of the national economy.
Recently, there was some more heartening news with respect to modernising of the agriculture but this time it is in relation to the rice industry as the
Burma Rice Research Station has acquired a laser land leveler which is geared to improve water-use efficiency, water coverage, crop establishment and production, and to reduce time to complete tasks, including planting and ultimately leading to higher yields and increased productivity which are so essential to increasing our competitiveness.
So our agriculture is on solid footing and it is imperative that we continue to build on the successes as Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud corrected exhorted, noting that said local farmers have come a long way in raising production levels and this year will be breaking new ground; but they have to continue to build on these achievements as production determines competitiveness.
