As India emerges as a Global Food hub, the need for a predictable, stable and science based policy and regulatory regime for the proper growth of the crop protection sector is imperative, Dr. K. C. Ravi, Chairman, CropLife India, said while delivering his address at the recently concluded 43rd Annual General Meeting of the Association in New Delhi.  

This would promote innovation and new product introduction to address the current and upcoming challenges faced by farmers; while paving the way with introduction of cutting edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Drones, Ravi added.

Speaking at the conference, Kakani Govardhan Reddy, Minister of Agriculture, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, said: “The State Government is committed towards Farmers’ education for enhanced use of new technology in agriculture; which has led to multiple novel initiatives viz. 'E-KYC Know Your Crop' aiming to provide farmers with essential digital resources. The State is considering implementing the State Minimum Support Price Act to further bolster inclusive agricultural practices”.

Haryana Agriculture Minister J. P. Dalal, informed: “Farmers of Haryana are being encouraged to take up crop diversification and produce as per the market demands. Asia's largest market, spanning over 550 acres, is under construction in Ganaur in Haryana, and will be better than the markets in developed countries like Spain and France. The market would provide farmers with facilities for grading, packaging and sorting at the block and tehsil levels, thus helping in export quality products to the international market”.

Dr. Ashok Dalwai, Chairman, Empowered Committee Doubling Farmers’ Income, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India participated in the Industry Leaders’ Interaction and shared his views on the public private partnership for providing better technologies to the farmers for increasing the productivity and the production and also suggested for data based research studies.

Dr. P. K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India said, “Adopting the 'One Health' approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals and the environment is non-negotiable for the nation’s growth. The role of technology in enabling multiple crop cycles in the same field; educating farmers and reframing the perception of agrochemicals is the need of the hour”.

Dr. Vishal Choudhary, Dy. Industry Advisor, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, said, “The Ministry has established an Industry Facilitation Cell to address industry’s issues and efforts are underway towards creation of dedicated courses for agrochemicals; which would help in responsible use”.

Dr. S. C. Dubey, ADG (Plant Protection), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India shared, “Agrochemicals are crucial for minimizing crop losses and increasing productivity, along with Nutrient & water management. Investment in R&D is imminent for sustainable agriculture and policies should be prioritized towards environmental sustainability, farmer well-being,] and long-term profitability”.

Chhavi Rajawat, first MBA Sarpanch, Sangeeta Bojappa, Dr. Anupama Singh, Scientist, IARI and Nisha Solanki, First Woman Drone Pilot of Haryana also shared their views at a session titled: “Women driving the growth of Indian Agriculture”.

CropLife India & YES BANK Knowledge Report Highlights

* In India, estimates suggest that about Rs. 2 lakh crores worth of crop yield is lost annually due to pests.

*  Indian agriculture is Feeding a massive 1.43 billion population

*  Contrary to the myths, the crop protection usage in India is just at 0.37 kg / hectare compared to a staggering 11.24 kg/hectare in Japan.

*  The crop protection industry in India is undergoing a Transformation from a product-centric to a sustainable solution- centric approach, wherein "beyond-crop protection" offerings are being provided to farmers.

* Agtechs (including drone-techs) are changing the way agri-inputs are delivered to farmers, the way agri-inputs are applied in the farm as well as the way farmers are linked to markets. Usage of drones is a big game changer not only for the way that crop protection solutions are applied on field, but also for providing additional income generating activities in rural areas by promoting entrepreneurship.

* The State Governments have a big role to play in enabling Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Doing Agriculture.

*  CropLife India believes that the State Governments will play an imminent role in paving a “Public-Private Pathway” for capacity building and awareness creation

*  India now stands as the 2nd largest exporter of agrochemicals globally, after China, making it a key participant in the global crop protection industry.