13 February2023, Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that protecting the health of the earth is our highest duty. The reckless use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase production has badly affected the health of the Earth and the quality of the soil. This has also had a bad effect on human health, said Mr. Chouhan, in his Inaugural Address to the G20 1st Agriculture Deputies Meeting (ADM) of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) at Indore today.
He further stressed upon adoption of technology that is eco-friendly and to adopt the campaign for Natural Farming.
“India has believed for centuries that nature should not be exploited, we should only harness natural resources. For the natural balance, it is necessary for humans as well as animals and birds to exist,” he said. Mr. Chouhan said, due to the ever-increasing population, food security is an important issue facing the world today.
“Only 12 percent of the world’s land is suitable for agriculture. By the year 2030, the demand for food grains will be 345 million tonnes, while in the year 2000, this demand was 192 million tonnes. It is evident that neither the agricultural land is going to increase nor our natural resources are going to increase,” he said.
The state has made a significant contribution in meeting the country’s food grains needs. The state has been in the first position in the production of oilseeds in the country. Madhya Pradesh has 60 percent participation in the production of Soy in the country and is also the largest producer of wheat in the country. We have made every possible effort to increase production in the state. Mr. Chouhan said, besides increasing production, it is also necessary to reduce the cost of production.
On the sidelines of the G20 1st ADM, Mr. Chouhan also inaugurated an exhibition that showcased the potential, achievements, and progress made by Agriculture and Allied Sectors with special emphasis on millet. The Chief Minister visited various stalls and keenly observed the agricultural products. Animal Husbandry and Fisheries stalls along with Millets and its value-added food products were the center of attraction in the exhibition.
G20 initiatives and Global Forum on Climate Smart Agriculture on Food Security were held on the first day of the three-day meeting. Along with the participation of the delegates, side events also witnessed the presence of various organizations and individuals of repute.
Following the deliberations, the day concluded with the delegates enjoying the Kisan mela, live counters, DIY stalls, and the cultural event, which gave them a flavor of local culture and cuisine. Earlier, Mr. Chouhan also addressed a press conference and interacted with the media.
Early this morning, the day started with the heritage walk at Rajwada Palace where the delegates got an opportunity to indulge in the history of the palace, which was built by the Holkars in the 18th century.
Day three will be dedicated to the deliberations on the key deliverables of the AWG. It will be a technical session with a roundabout discussion and participation from all concerned members and international organizations.
Representatives of G-20 member countries, guest countries, and international organizations are attending the three-day 1st Agriculture Deputies Meeting (ADM) of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) being held under India’s G20 Presidency.
