New Delhi, Feb 23 : Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today asked agricultural scientists to evolve technologies that result in higher incomes for farmers without harming the country''s natural resources.

Addressing farmers and agricultural scientists after inaugurating the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela (agriculture fair) at IARI, Pusa, Pawar said: "Agricultural scientists must also see that the technologies are easy to adopt in Indian conditions."

Pawar said that it is because of research and adoption of new technologies that India''s foodgrain production since 1950 has gone up four times, that of commercial crops by six times, fisheries nine times, milk six times and eggs 27 times.

"It is high time for our scientists to analyse problems being faced by the agriculture sector and evolve technologies appropriate for our country, which other developing nations can also adopt," he said.

Pawar drew the attention of agricultural scientists and farmers towards the enormous traditional knowledge available in the country which can be utilized along with the latest technologies.

Similarly, the bio-diversity present in the sub-continent should be conserved and harnessed, he added.

Appreciating the efforts of premier agricultural institutions in organizing fairs to educate farmers, Pawar exhorted farmers to make the best use of demonstrations and interactive sessions being organized in the Krishi Vigyan Mela. (ANI)