High time India taps non-conventional energy sources: Farooq Abdullah

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister for Non-Conventional Energy Farooq Abdullah on Monday said it is high time the country tapped non-conventional energy sources to meet its growing power needs as there is huge potential to generate power through means like solar and wind power.

"It is high time India taps non-conventional energy sources to meet its growing demand for power. The country now depends more on fossil fuel, which is very costly. So we should move towards harvesting solar and wind energies," he said.

He was speaking after presenting the fifth Panambilli Prathibha award to renowned agricultural scientist Dr M S Swaminathan in recognition of his valuable contribution for the development of the agriculture sector.

The award has been instituted by Samskara Sahithi,the art and cultural wing of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee.

The award, instituted in memory of late Congress leader Panambilli Govinda Menon, comprises a cash award of Rs 50,000 and a citation.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who inaugurated the cultural meet and Panambilli memorial speech organised in connection with the award ceremony, said Swaminathan's services as a scientist for the agricultural sector was very vital.

KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala presided. State Ministers V S Sivakumar, Arayadan Muhammed and K C Joseph were among those present on the occasion.