President Droupadi Murmu today called upon agricultural scientists to devise new plans in accordance with the present time to protect the farmers from challenges like natural disasters, climate change and the mis-utilisation of natural resources. She said the latest drone technology, remote sensing, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology must be used to empower the field of agriculture and agriculturists. Addressing the 40th convocation of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology in Bhubaneswar this morning, the President said agricultural scientists must focus on the preservation of soil health, environment, soil conservation and proper utilisation of natural resources while devising new plans for the country. She said India has achieved tremendous growth in the field of agriculture in the last few decades and it is exporting food grains and agricultural instruments to other countries. President Murmu also said India can further increase agricultural production as it has a pro-agriculture climate, skilled manpower, fertile land and the latest technology. She said the country can achieve the goal of being a developed nation by 2047 only with the betterment of agriculture and agriculturists.

The President, who is on a five-day visit to her home state Odisha from Tuesday, is scheduled to inaugurate a new judicial complex in Bhubaneswar this afternoon.