Prof U R Rao visited GITAM

Prof U R Rao called for adaptation of knowledge base and space technology for increasing agriculture productivity in the country. U.R. Rao, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) visited GITAM University on 3rd January, 2008 and addressed the researchers and students.

He said that technology used in agriculture practice in India was nearly 10,000 years old and that agriculture productivity which is currently at 1.7 tonnes per hectare was not in proportion to the increasing population in the country. “ If we want the GDP to touch double figures then agriculture should achieve a growth rate of around four to five per cent. Unfortunately, even though 65 per cent of population is dependant on agriculture, with two per cent adding on every year, agriculture productivity is still low. Bringing in knowledge base into agriculture is the only solution,” he said. “ Space technology can be used to map images and find out about surface water harvesting, ground water recharge, soil conservation and alternative land use.
Power from Space:

Prof U.R.Rao hoped that in future our energy requirements will be solved by developing energy from space particularly solar energy and conversion of micro waves. He said that India can undertake a mission to Mars within ten years. Probably within 1000 years colonies may develop on Mars he observed.


Re usable rockets:
Prof U.R.Rao revealed that in future space technology sector re-usable low cost rockets may took place with the background of nanotechnology.

Prof.M.Gangadhara Rao, Vice-Chancellor, GITAM University participated as guest of honour and felicitated Prof.U.R.Rao. Prof.Lakshmi Das , Principal, College of Science Preside over the function.