It is a matter of fact that the world's population is increasing and the food production is not adequate. As many as 850 million people are not eating properly today. We have a problem of food production and distribution. It is therefore necessary to increase the food production in the short and long term and to ensure proper food distribution worldwide.

Everyone agrees that in India, productivity needs to be increased. It is the theme of the second green revolution which is so important for India and the world. On our part, we are willing to explore with India how we can help it, for example through our research institutes, to increase food productivity without spoiling the land.

Do you believe it is possible? The waters resources seem limited and the priority is industrial development.

I recently met Dr M S Swaminathan, the Father of the Green Revolution who is in constant touch with French researchers. He is reasonably optimistic. If we can focus on local development, proper use of fertilisers, water resources, on plant genetics, etc... we may be able to increase food productivity. We have to try and make it possible.

The history of food production is the history of progress. We must tap our creative potential to develop new means.

During the French presidency of the EU, do you think you can make a small difference?

We will seriously address the problem and we believe that there are goals that India and EU can achieve together.

Image: An Indian labourer works in a paddy field at Rangachara, some 40 km from Agartala, July 8, 2008. G8 leaders say they are 'deeply concerned' about soaring food prices and supply shortages in some developing countries and called on nations with sufficient food stocks to release some of their reserves to countries in need to help cope with soaring prices. Photograph: Parthajit Dutta/AFP/Getty Images

Also read: 'We can't play politics with hunger

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