“Tamil Nadu Drone Corporation is likely to be set up which will help generate huge employment of around 40000 and a better irrigation  management.  With the use of satellite and drones, locust was prevented from attacking farms of South India”, says Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, Vice President, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology and Chairman, National Design and Research forum   during a webinar on “Science and Technology for Self-Reliant India” that was organised today by Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Chennai. The webinar was organised as part of the India International Science Festival 2020, to be held from December 22-25.

He said that as the population and world food grain production are increasing, there is depletion of land, scarcity of water, poor fertility of soil and lack of labour. In order to solve this problem, modern technologies like drones are being used for spraying pest and other agricultural activities. However, these technologies should be extended and made use of in a better way, he stressed. He cited the example of banana stem which could be used as a source of wealth. As Tamil Nadu is India’s leading producer of bananas there is immense scope to tap this potential. Normally, not much attention is provided to the banana stem but if properly harnessed, it could be a huge wealth creating source, he said.

Reiterating that, innovation should have a connectivity to society, Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai pointed that satellites can be used to solve major problems like Indian fishermen crossing borders of Sri Lanka by providing them timely information like border limit, availability of fish within Indian boundary, meteorological forecast etc. These details he said could be provided in the local language for the better understanding by the fishermen. This is an innovative solution for people using the modern technology. This is an example of innovative solution, he added.

“In the emerging world India can play a major role beyond self reliance. Opportunities are plenty in our country, one need not go anywhere; one can do wonders in India and if required people from other countries can come here. Capabilities within India are increasing and Indian Space is making that to happen”, he added. Citing various real life examples and popular products, he said that research, technology and economy alone cannot make an innovation successful, unless it creates an impact on the society. Our various satellites and technologies have ensured a self- reliant secured India.

Being self- reliant, India at the same time helps global welfare as well, especially in the meteorological front. Countries like Australia and America make use of our satellites for weather forecasting, he said. We are self reliant on our own and we have extended our Science and Technology to the welfare of the humanity as a whole, he added.

Saying that emerging innovation culture and way forward is not a philosophy and emerging ecosystem is suited for innovation and a culture could be brought in by a system, he assured that with the support of academia, researchers, entrepreneurs, society’s participation and Government policy support and finance, a sustained  innovation culture and a self-reliant India could be possible.

He said that India International Science Festival is conducted every year from 2015 and this year with the theme Science for Self-Reliant India and Global Welfare it is important to become self-reliant in all the three important fields-agriculture, security and science. Such festivals are conducted to motivate Indians to contribute something for the nation and international community.

Earlier, Shri M. Annadurai, Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau  rendered the Introductory Address.

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