Abstract

It is at once a pleasure and a privilege to welcome you to the Agri- cultural Section at the 18th annual meeting of the Indian Science Congress. I propose to depart somewhat from precedent, for instead of choosing for my address a subject connected with some special branch of agricultural science, I have selected one of a somewhat more general nature which, however, is closely concerned with the successful application of science to the improvement of agricultural practice. Agricultural statistics form the basis of studies in the economics of agriculture, whilst the rapid dissemina- tion of scientific, technical and statistical information is becoming more and more important in these days of specialization. The recent depression in agriculture due to the fall in prices of agricultural produce, clearly brings out two points which bear on the subject of my address. Never was there a greater need for improvement in the efficiency of agricultural production than at present since low prices can only be permanently combated by this means. In promoting such an increase in efficiency the rapid dissemination of scientific and technical information is an important factor.

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