Priority to research (Editorial)
The development of two high-yielding varieties of Boro rice by scientists of Assam Agricultural University (AAU) is heartening for the State's beleaguered agriculture sector. Recurring damages by floods apart, a noticeable decline in productivity of paddy has emerged as a disturbing trend in recent years. With the entire country going through a phase of food shortage, it is only through enhanced productivity that we can hope to meet the challenge. For achieving this, it is imperative that agricultural research is accorded top priority.