GS1 India Organizes National Conference on QR Code Implementation on Agri-Inputs to Enable Standardisation

To support the agri-input community on QR code implementation, GS1 India recently organized a "National Conference on QR Code Implementation on Agri-Inputs" in New Delhi on September 1, 2023. The conference reflected the significance of global standards in bringing about end-to-end visibility and digital innovations in the agricultural sector through knowledge sessions and panel discussions.

GS1 India National Conference: Inaugural Session

The inaugural session featured eminent speakers delivering their insights on the implementation of Digital Link QR codes to enable standardization in the agricultural input industry. The session included:

• Welcome address by S Swaminathan, CEO, GS1 India

• Keynote address by Dr Brijesh Tripathi, Assistant Director (Chemistry), Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, DPPQS

• Special address by Dr Archana Kumari Srivastav, Regional Director, PMFAI

• Special address by R G Agarwal, Founder Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech Ltd.

• Address by Nakul Pasricha, President, Authentication Solution Provider’s Association (ASPA)

“The Indian agri-inputs manufacturing sector has proven track records and competency and has emerged as a major global manufacturing hub, particularly for agri-chemicals, fertilizers, and biological products. It is time to adopt these global standards while implementing QR codes for domain practices for agri-inputs,” said, Dr Archana Kumari Srivastav, Regional Director, PMFAI.

She further added, “As I represent the agri-chemical industry, I have great pleasure to inform you all that the Indian agri-chemical industry has emerged as the second largest exporter of agri-chemicals in the world, with exports worth 5.4 billion US dollars to over 140 countries worldwide.”

The conference also witnessed the launch of a white paper on ‘Leveraging QR Codes to Transform the Agri-Input Supply Chain.’

“No country can compromise on its health and food security. The introduction of QR codes will be widely implemented in these sectors in the coming future. Moreover, various pharmaceutical companies and pesticide organizations are already using QR codes,” said, R G Agarwal, Founder Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech Ltd.

Panel Discussion: Creating Visibility in Agri-input Supply Chain

Panelists opined on how they can build upon current QR code implementation to create visibility across the supply chain and explore interoperability, thereby improving transparency, traceability, and real-time access to information at every stage of the value chain.

Speakers included:

• C S Shukla – Sr Vice President – Marketing, Crystal Crop Protection

• Dr Naresh Prasad, Director – Marketing, Fertilizer Association of India

• Mala Mittal, Deputy Director General, National Informatics Centre

• Jiten Rao, Head of Supply Chain, Dehaat

Knowledge Session and Success Stories 

Knowledge sessions were held to bring out the role of technology and digital innovations in bringing about a transformational change in the sector by raising income for farmers and strengthening the competitiveness of Indian agriculture.

A global case study on "standards-based 2D barcode implementation" was given by Laurent Sebire, Chairman, CropLife International Traceability Project Team.

Success stories of QR codes based on GS1 Digital Link were presented in terms of API tracking, pharmaceutical formulations, food traceability, etc. It was followed by educational sessions on the execution of GS1 Digital Link in compliance with regulations.

The conference concluded with a Q&A round between agri-input manufacturers and GS1 India experts, a session on global standards financial assistance schemes, and a presentation by solution providers.