By effectively broadcasting programmes based on information, entertainment, social service and agriculture, All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD) have successfully confronted the onslaught of private commercial channels, observed G. Jayalal, Additional Director General of AIR (South Zone) and Doordarshan here today.

Speaking after inaugurating a one-day workshop on Holistic Agriculture Education at the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) organised by Prasar Bharati, Broadcasting Corporation of India, All India Radio Mysore, he said that Doordarshan and AIR were giving priority to programmes based on various techniques of agriculture for the benefit of farmers, besides keeping in mind the interests of other sections of the society.

Y.J. Raveendra Prakash, Consultant, Namma Shale Plus, Azim Premji Foundation, Dharwad, in his address, laid emphasis on spreading knowledge of Holistic Agriculture among rural masses, many of whom these days were becoming more and more allergic to agriculture.

The GDP in agriculture sector, which was 70% to 80% fewyears ago, has now dipped to about 25% which is a matter of great concern, he said.

He added that the rising number of school drop-outs among villagers, which stood at about 90%, was the major cause for dip in GDP as these drop-outs do not get sufficient knowledge and education about various forms of agriculture.

V.Srinivasan, Deputy Director (Engg.) AIR Mysore, Dr. Anand V.Patil, Asst. Director, AIR Mysore and others were present on the occasion.

The workshop, which will conclude at 5.30 pm today, will have deliberations from experts followed by discussions.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore