24 September 2021, New Delhi, IN:Mr Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, today said that farmers are getting direct profits from new technology and various policies of the government in the country. As way of example, he cited the price of saffron, which to modern technology has increased from INR 1 lakh rupees per kilo to INR 2 lakh.
Addressing the session on India@75: Expediting the Sustainable Growth of Agrochemicals Industry for Self-Reliant India, organized by FICCI, Mr Tomar said, “We should encourage balanced use of chemicals and fertilizers. The Government is making all the efforts towards realising Prime Minister’s vision of doubling farmers’ income.
The Union Minister further said that the agriculture sector is crucial for the country’s economy, which has proved its significance even in undesirable circumstances. He further mentioned that the government is making every effort to benefit farmers and that the farmers should get maximum benefits from the new technologies.
Mr Tomar said that organic or natural farming must be encouraged, and it is necessary to maintain balance in farming. He also appreciated FICCI for its continuously support towards the development of the country.
Mr Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State, Ministry of Chemicals & fertilizers and Minister of State, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, remarked, “It is our responsibility to focus on judicious use of agrochemicals and reducing residue level. Research and development in the agrochemical sector should be strengthened and it is the need of the hour.
Mr Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, remarked that the Ministry is providing soil health card for every farmer. He also mentioned that government has launched 10,000 FPOs to form direct link with farmers and is working on value chain development for the sector.
Mr Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, mentioned that we need to work towards curbing the ill effects of Agrochemicals and to obtain efficiency, agrochemical and biochemical plays an important role”. We need to focus on ‘waste to wealth’ from ‘waste to burning’.
Mr Amber Dubey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India said, “We have to make manual spray a history and focus on drones.” The PLI scheme, he said, will help the drones sector in India to grow. To make life easier for the common people India is focusing on drone technology in the agriculture sector, he added.
Speaking on Atmanirbhar Krishi and Atmanirbhar Kisan, Mr R G Agarwal, Chair, FICCI Crop Protection Committee & Group Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech Ltd on his presentation on Atmanirbhar Krishi and Atmanirbhar Kisan stated that Indian Agriculture has a huge potential and has reached 63rd rank in Ease of Doing Business. Reforms, such as KYC system, needs to be introduced to track and monitor manufacturing facility.
Mr Peter Ford, President Asia Pacific, Corteva Agriscience said, “India holds a prominent position in the world as it ranks 4th globally with the world’s largest arable land.” He mentioned that Corteva focuses on sustainable commitment and sustainable footprint in Indian agriculture.
