Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, New and Renewable Energy, Government of India will inaugurate AgroChem Summit 2023 (https://www.indianchemicalnews.com/agrochem-summit-2024/ ), organised by Indian Chemical News on December 15, 2023 at The Park, New Delhi.

The theme of the Second Edition of AgroChem Summit is "Boosting Production Through Sustainable Agriculture Practices".

Being an integral part of agricultural practices in India, the government has identified agrochemicals as one of the 12 champion industries that can play a significant role in the global supply chain. However, despite being the world's fourth-largest agrochemical producer, industry experts point towards a plethora of issues which if addressed on priority could help unlock its full growth potential.

With a market value of approximately US $6.5 billion, India's agrochemical industry is the fourth largest globally and contributed significantly in marking India self-reliant in food grains. However, there is a growing need for environmental preservation as agrochemicals have a negative impact on the environment and human health as well. Although the agrochemical industry has responded to this by introducing various environment friendly crop solutions, there is a need for eco-friendly agrochemicals for sustainable agriculture to meet the present needs of farmers and consumers without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

There is no doubt that agrochemicals play an essential role in agriculture growth. The average pre-harvest crop loss attributed to plant pathogens accounts for up to 35% of total crops. Hence, the role of agrochemicals in avoiding excessive crop loss cannot be neglected. However, their persistence and intensive use has been threatening natural environments and human health.

The use of sustainable agriculture practices and eco-friendly agrochemicals is essential for preserving soil fertility, protecting water resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These practices help farmers to produce healthy and nutritious food while safeguarding the environment for future generations. Therefore, there is a need for promoting sustainable agriculture and the use of eco-friendly agrochemicals to ensure a healthy and sustainable global food system.

Topics to be covered during AgroChemical Summit 2023 are: Sustainable agriculture and need for eco-friendly agrochemicals; Innovative agrochemicals: Partnering innovation for supporting Make in India; Regulatory framework for agrochemicals; Precision agriculture, balanced use of agrochemicals; Strategies for market penetration and growth in global market; and innovation in branding, packaging, and delivery systems. 

The Summit is supported by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India. Gold partners are: Godrej Agrovet Ltd., SML Ltd; and Somaiya Vidyavihar University. Industry association supporting AgroChem Summit 2023 are: Agro Chem Federation of India (ACFI); Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI); Crop Life India (CLI), Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PMFAI); and Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI).