Modi dedicates 7 new plant species to nation

Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi on Monday dedicated seven new indigenously developed varieties of plants to the nation and interacted with farmers to mark the 75th anniversary of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

"No country would progress without the use of science and technology," Modi said at the Vigyan Bhawan here where the CSIR marked its 75th foundation day.

"Your (CSIR) contribution to the country in last 75 years increases our hopes from you. People would only expect from those who can deliever," he said.

The Prime Minster also stressed upon mitigating the gaps between science and research to the industry and common user.

"Sometimes we do invention but the common man is kept away from those inventions. We need to abridge those gaps," he said.

Interacting with the farmers from five states through video conferencing, the Prime Minster encoraged them to brand their products for better marketing.

"Try to give a specific name to your product (vetiver or khus), this would give them unique identity and will increase their marketting prospects," Modi said while interacting with a farmer at Cuddalor, Tamil Nadu who grew khus.

Talking to another farmer from Jorhat who was a botany student, the Prime Minister expressed his happiness.

"I am happy that despite being a botany student you decided to return to the farming, while many don't. We need such spirit," Modi said.

The Prime Minister also interacted with the farmers from Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh, Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Palampur in Himachal Pradesh.

The new varieties of the plants that have ornamental and medicinal qualities were developed by the CSIR laboratories, especially Cental Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP).

The plants include new varieties of lemongrass, citronella, vetiver and canna lily plant.

--IANS

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