Dr M #Karunanidhi was a scientists’ scientist. Among his numerous contributions to Tamil Nadu's development are outstanding universities like Anna University as well as the State Biotechnology Council and gender-sensitive institutions like the Women’s Biotechnology Park.
#Karunanidhi was also keen to see Tamil Nadu progress from food security to nutrition security. Long before India's #foodsecurity Act was introduced, he launched in the 1990s a ‘#Hunger -free area programme’ in order to fulfil the dream of Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiyar.
The former Chief Minister also married #science with Tamil #literature. At the World Tamil conference in 2010, Dr #Karunanidhi announced the setting up of genetic heritage gardens based on Sangam literature in five zones representing kurinji, mullai, neithal, palai and marutham.
The aim of the #genetic heritage gardens was to create awareness about the invaluable contributions of Tamil scholars towards achieving #foodsecurity and health security, whereby the unique plants and animal breeds of these five regions could be conserved for future generations.
Dr #Karunanidhi had great respect for scientists. In 1989, when I approached him seeking land in Taramani, Chennai for establishing a scientific institution, he said it is he who should be inviting me to establish the institution. @MSSRF was granted the land where it now stands.
A great Tamil scholar and an ardent advocate of #science for #SustainableDevelopment , Dr #Karunanidhi stands tall among political leaders who have promoted science for public good.
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Congratulations to Tamil Nadu government for its farmer-centred agriculture budget, with an integrated focus on securing livelihoods and ensuring nutrition and health security #sdg2@CMOTamilnadu@MRKPaneerselvam (1/5)
Research on integrated and context-specific farming systems will ensure climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. #COP26#UNFSS2021 (2/5)
Support to millets from production and processing to procurement and distribution, especially in rainfed areas, will reduce the drudgery of women’s work, improve nutrition and enhance incomes. #milletmission (3/5)
The air pollution in Delhi has become a matter of public health concern nationally and internationally. Farmers are being blamed by many including the Chief Minister of Delhi for burning stubble and thereby causing atmospheric pollution. 1/4
In South India stubble is not burnt as there's economic value as animal feed. For years I pointed out many economic uses of rice straw. We should adopt a do-ecology approach with farmers to convert rice stubble into income rather than making them agents of eco-disaster. 2/4
Recently @mssrf established a Rice BioPark at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, funded by the Ministry of External Affairs & inaugurated by our Hon President of India. The rice biopark shows how stubble can be utilized to make products including paper, cardboard and animal feed. 3/4