Focus on 100 districts for increasing agricultural productivity is a prudent step: CCFI
Policy

Focus on 100 districts for increasing agricultural productivity is a prudent step: CCFI

It’s too early to state specific proposal have been given on agrochemicals but social welfare schemes would facilitate in uplifting the life of the rural villagers

  • By ICN Bureau | February 02, 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has focused on 10 key areas, including manufacturing to focus on Make in India and generating self-employment, on agriculture to focus on the farming community, on generating more avenues for employment, focus on MSMEs & rural development coupled with innovation to enrich the life of masses

Deepak Shah, Chairman, Crop Care Federation of India ( CCFI) said, “It’s too early to state specific proposal have been given on agrochemicals but social welfare schemes like the PM Kisan Yojana and PM Awas Yojana would facilitate in uplifting the life of the rural villagers. The decision to continue with free food for extended periods would result in saving for the rural poor. Government incentive for new investments under PPP, would result in not only fresh investment but result in generating employment, both in urban and rural areas. However, the much awaited PLI scheme for agrochemicals has not been announced which could bring in Rs. 12,500 crore fresh investment by Indian manufacturers.”

Any chapter change in custom tariff should ensure that there is a delta of 10% with higher duty on import of formulations as compared to imports of technical grade so as to limit unnecessary imports and encourage domestic manufacturers to make India as a global manufacturing hub in next two years. This has been the persistent contention of CCFI members to work for Make in India towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Low productivity has been a major issue when compared to certain advanced countries and therefore the government move to cover 100 districts in phase 1 would see consumption of more agri inputs with proper and judicious usage.

Another feature worth appreciating is the increase of Kisan Credit Card limits for farmers, fisherman etc. from Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. 5 lakhs Likewise, MSMEs would be given term loan up to Rs. 20 crore on exports and startup’s in agriculture would be also given credit guarantee ranging from Rs. 10 crore to Rs. 20 crore.

“Agrochemicals exports are on the increase despite global slowdown and CCFI is committed to curb imports by recommending an increase in custom duty. In a significant move agriculture and allied sectors have been allocated Rs. 171,437 crore which is the fourth highest after defence, rural development, and home affairs. With positive kharif expectations we can look forward to another number year,” concluded Shah.

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