Bangalore, Sep 22 (UNI) Agricultural scientists should help convert Indian villages into power systems where technology developed in the labs are implemented and the farmers reap the benefit, Dr M N Sheelavantar, Vice Chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore said today.

Speaking after inaugurating the IGNOU study centre at the UAS campus, he said that villages should be converted into factories which produce finished products and not just raw materials. For this, equipping the rural youth with expertise in value addition to farm products that could help change the village economy.

''If Village economy is healthy we can put an end to migration of ruralyouth migrating to urban areas in search of jobs. Study centres like the one opened here today can help rural youth, who have only school education, get the expertise and hands on experience with the help of experts of the agriculture university,'' he said.

IGNOU Regional Director B P R Narasimharao said that the study centre would start the initial programme on one year diploma course in production of value added products from fruits and vegetables.

The study centres, mainly to help youth from the farming community, have been opened in many parts of the country in association with various agricultural universities. Such centres provide access to higher education to the disadvantaged groups.

UAS Member of Board of Regents M Parthasarathy said that the future of the rural economy lies in value added agricultural products. The Producer has to be educated and motivated so that he gets better returns. ''We need to do a lot more in conducting product wise research to help young farmers turn into entrepreneurs,'' he said.

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