Government and Industry Experts Discuss Crop Protection’s Role in Agriculture at CropLife India’s 44th AGM
26 September 2024, New Delhi: CropLife India hosted a National Conference during its 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM), bringing together Ministers of State, government officials, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the theme “Driving Prosperity Through Partnerships: Role of the Crop Protection Industry in the Growth of Indian Agriculture.”
At the conference, key figures from the government and agrochemical sectors explored policies and technologies shaping India’s agricultural future, emphasizing the importance of crop protection.
Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, said, “Farmers’ efforts must be appreciated, as they continue practicing agriculture year after year despite various weather and financial challenges.” He urged the association to prioritize improving soil health, as the current state is poor.
Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, added, “I am proud that India has moved from being an import-dependent nation to a food grain-exporting one. However, we need to boost the production of pulses and oilseeds. While the cost of cultivation has risen, farmers’ profits have decreased. The association should help create awareness among farmers about adopting best agricultural practices to maximize production while preserving soil quality.”
Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice, emphasized the importance of farmer-centric solutions in achieving India’s goal of increasing agriculture’s contribution to GDP by 7-8% by 2047. He highlighted the shift in national policy, with farmers now being central to India’s development agenda.
Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, shared insights into ongoing initiatives, including Integrated Pest Management Systems (IPMS) and the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS). He mentioned that 20,000 farmers have already registered for NPSS and encouraged further participation to leverage the app’s benefits.
Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General of CropLife India, stated, “As India positions itself as a global food hub, establishing a predictable and stable science-based policy and regulatory framework for the crop protection sector is essential. This will foster innovation and introduce new technologies to tackle current and emerging challenges faced by farmers. Embracing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and drones will further enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability. Together, we can pave the way for a prosperous agricultural future.”
Key sessions at the conference covered precision agriculture, regulatory policies, and global partnerships in agricultural development. Discussions also focused on streamlining regulatory processes and leveraging technologies like IPMS and drones to boost agricultural productivity.
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