Efforts to improve Indian agriculture are continuous. Various associations of private sector companies, government departments and agriculture are working for the upliftment of this sector. A large part of agricultural development depends on agro-chemicals which play an important role in protecting crops from insects and diseases.
AGRO CHEM FEDERATION OF INDIA(ACFI) is a ‘Not ForProfit Organization’registered under the Society Registration Act XXI of 1860 w.e.f. June 6, 2017. This organization represents some more than 10Agro-chemical companies initially and is gaining support from fellow agrochemical based companies. AGRO CHEM FEDERATION OF INDIA(ACFI) was officially launched on 5thJuly, 2017 during a FICCI Seminar on “ Empowering Farmers on Scientific Use of Crop Protection Chemicals-Pesticides for Maximization of Yield” held at Chandigarh, INDIA. Dr. Arjun Singh Saini, Director General Horticulture, Govt. of Haryana and Dr. D. Kanungo, Chairperson, Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues and Veterinary Drugs ( FSSAI )& Former ADG, MoH&FW released the ACFI Logo. THE MAIN AIMS AND OBJECTS OF AGRO CHEM FEDERATION OF INDIA ARE AS STATED:
1. To liaise with the Central & State Governments, associated Government & Non-Government Departments, Academic Institutions, Farmer Associations and other bodies to interact, coordinate and cooperate in matters pertaining to relevant legislations and policies framed under for the benefit of a the overall Agro-based Industry including the agrochemical, fertilizer, seed, biocide, bio pesticides, farm mechanization and other related sectors.
2. To provide administrative and technical support to highlight the concerns raised by Member Companies with respect to manufacture, import & export, etc.
3. To work towards sustainability of Indian Agriculture and help provide quality agri-inputs at affordable prices.
4. To contribute towards National Policies in an attempt to contribute towards the betterment of the Indian Farming Community.
5. Actively participate & contribute to the GOI campaigns e.g. Grow Safe Food Campaign, Doubling of Farmers’ Income by 2022, Skill India ( Kaushal Vikas se Krishi Vikas ), Make in India, etc.
6. To adopt the UN Sustainable Development Goals and contribute towards achieving the same by 2030 work towards achieving a transparent and efficient Regulatory Framework
7. ACFI Member Companies are committed to promote new technologies and products which are eco-friendly and safe to public health
8. The association discourages products that are associated and labeled and classify as RED Triangle Products under the IR 1971 existing toxicity classification. As such products are globally being phased out and alternate chemistry are being made available, in an attempt to promote safer economical technologies and products made thereof
9. To educate farmers on the appropriate use of pesticide involving right dose, timely application, appropriate application methodology and use of PPEs
10. Promote Farm mechanization in an attempt to reduce agri-input of the farmers
11. Organizing farmer meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops involving all stakeholders in educating farmers and State officials involved
12. ACFI, is committed to compile data available regarding consumption of pesticides including PGRs, Seeds etc. and share statistics involving State wise & Zone wise pest infestation of different zones for ready reference.
13. ACFI is committed to assist in MoA&FW reforms i.e. NATIONAL HORTICULURE MISSION, PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA, SOIL HEALTH CARD (SHC), AGROFORESTRY, STUDENT READY PROGRAMME IN AGRICULTURE EDUCATION, PRADHAN MANTRI SANJAI YOJANA etc.
14. Imparting knowledge among Medical Practitioners & Village Health Workers towards the Timely and Appropriate Use of Pesticide Antidotes in cases of an observed, intentional or accidental case of pesticide poisoning. A Novel idea conceptualized by ACFI.
