“Use of Modern Technology is Essential in Agri Sector for Enhancing Crop Yield & Safeguarding Environment,” Kailash Choudhary

CropLife India; the leading association of domestic and Multinational R&D-driven crop science companies organized a two-day National Conference on the occasion of its 42^nd AGM, which witnessed the congregation of the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Four Agriculture Ministers from the key States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telengana and Karnataka, senior Government officials, experts, and industry leaders.

The Theme of the National Conference was “Sustainable Growth of Agriculture for Self Reliant India” while the theme of the inaugural session was “Agriculture Transformation during ‘Amrit Kaal’ – Role of Crop Protection”. A Special Plenary Session, “Perspectives of State Governments” focused on the achievements in agriculture in the four key States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. A Special Plenary Session II focused on the “International Perspective: India @100”; a special session focused on “Enhancing Crop Protection Efficiency” and Session – III dwelled on “Ease of Doing Business – The Path Ahead.”

In his Inaugural address, Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, shared that “There is utmost need to employ the latest technology for agriculture and enhance farmer awareness for the same. Drone technology can play a big role as it offers multiple benefits like spraying of agrochemicals, determination of the number of fertilizers and nutrients to be used, among others.”

Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, opined, “The crop protection industry should continue to develop greener chemistries for sustainable growth. Shri Shahi invited the crop protection industry to invest in Uttar Pradesh which is on a trajectory towards becoming a food basket of the country as well as the world.”

“Biggest task of mankind is to keep the soil healthy for better human health and wellness. Water conservation is essential for agriculture and Telangana is the first state to implement the Watershed program in 1983-84. Under Mission Kakatiya, 46000 water tanks and water bodies in Telangana have been restored. Due to concerted efforts, Water has brought about the biggest revolution in Telangana,” added S. Niranjan Reddy, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Telangana.

While inviting the industry to work with the state government on stewardship and other initiatives, Kamal Patel, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Madhya Pradesh said, “Madhya Pradesh has been taking many key initiatives like insurance to safeguard the interests of smallholder farmers and make the farmers self-reliant.”

C. Patil, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, said “A Helpline is providing guidance to farmers in Karnataka. Karnataka Government has increased the reservation of students from the families of farmers in admissions to B.Sc. Agriculture, from 40 % to 50 %. The total number of reserved seats for this category of students in agriculture universities is 1230 while the total intake is 2460; in the State."

Dr. K. C. Ravi, Chairman, CropLife India said, “There is a need for a predictable, stable and science-based policy and regulatory regime for the proper growth of the crop protection sector is imperative; which promotes innovation and new product introduction to address the current and upcoming challenges faced by farmers; while paving the way with the introduction of cutting edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Drones”

Anil Kakkar, Vice Chairman of CropLife India & Vice President, Sumitomo Chemical India Ltd. said “CropLife India and our members are committed to making India self-reliant and Agriculture is an imminent part of it. The crop protection industry has been making an immense contribution to Indian Agriculture in the last 75 years and is committed to contributing during the “Amrit Kal”.  

Srinivasa Karavadi, Vice Chairman, CropLife India & Head of Market Development India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, Bayer CropScience Limited said, “CropLife India and its member companies have always believed in and demonstrated a constructive partnership approach with the Government and other stakeholders. We would like to continue to contribute to strengthening the collaborative ecosystem".