“Cannot Solve Problems Alone”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31340, 10 April 1967, Page 14

“Cannot Solve Problems Alone”

India was unable alone to solve its complex food and development problems, and believed in the interdependence of nations, said Professor S. P. Chatterjee, of the University of Calcutta, and president of the International Geographical Union.

New Zealand could be of great .assistance in developing an efficient dairy industry, which was so greatly needed in India, he said in Christchurch last night. Much of his country’s food problems stemmed from the fact that the rate of consumption of cereal foods was much higher than in other countries, and there was a need for a much more balanced diet for the people. But to develop a dairy industry, for instance, there was need for technical advice, equipment and implements. There were some areas well-

suited for fruit-growing, but technical assistance was needed here also. In obtaining these skills, India would have to look to help from other nations. “We want to remain friendly with all nations, but we found we couldn’t with the Chinese although they used to be our greatest friends.” Professor Chatterjee is visiting Australia and New Zealand, member nations of the International Geographical Union, on his way to a U.N.E.5.C.0.-I.G.U. symposium in Lima, Peru, later this month, on changes in arid zone areas of the world. The next I.G.U. congress, held every four years, would be in 1968, in India. There was not sufficient land per capita in India for the population of 500 million, said Professor Chatterjee. The yield an acre had to be increased and this was one reason for encouraging foreign investment in fertiliser plants. Although there was plenty Of water in the rainy season,

only 6 per cent was utilised and there was an urgent need to store surplus water. The conservation of water was a world-wide question as industries and urbanisation were making heavier demands on water resources. The population of Calcutta, for instance, would increase from 7.5 million to 11 million in only a few years. With increasing population, more intensive agriculture was essential, but it must be a “package deal” with sufficient water, fertiliser and good seed. More water alone was not the answer, as this

could have an adverse effect on the soil.

Efforts were being made in the form of Government payment to farmers for grain to provide an incentive, and greater attention was being paid to the distribution of food within the country. The political situation in India was becoming more stable and federation should allow greater development within separate regions. Professor Chatterjee will address a meeting of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Geographical Society tonight.