India is the fourth largest producer of agrochemicals, with immense growth potential: Narendra Tomar.
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has said that India is the fourth largest producer of agrochemicals in the world, and the sector has huge potential for growth with the help of research, innovation and an accelerated registration system.
Addressing the 41st AGM of CropLifeIndia, the apex body of 15 crop science companies, Tomar said that the Center has launched a digital agriculture mission and is focusing on the use of drones in the agriculture sector.
Tomar said, “India is the fourth largest producer of agrochemicals. Considering the potential of this sector, the government has included the agrochemical sector among the 12 champion sectors where India can play an important role in the global supply chain.” A statement issued by CropLife.
“There is a lot of potential to be a leader in the chemical sector with the help of innovation, accelerated registration system, early crop protection research and digitization drive,” the minister said.
Tomar said that the central government is focusing on the use of drones in the agriculture sector and with this it has started the Digital Agriculture Mission.
The Ministry of Agriculture has signed MoUs with the private sector to advance digital agriculture, which aims to benefit farmers in every way while increasing their income.
Ashok Dalwai, CEO Ashok Dalwai said, “The impact of climate change has a direct/indirect effect on pests, which impacts on crops. The crop protection industry needs to leverage R&D facilities, thus drone technology. And the policies of artificial intelligence should be assimilated.” The National Rainfed Area Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, said.
SK Malhotra, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said, “India needs new molecules, which are safer and more effective. The industry needs to come forward and introduce new molecules at par with international standards.”
Ravi Prakash, Plant Protection Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said, the crop protection industry is making progress in exporting the products, thus earning foreign exchange.
“In the last 75 years, Indian agriculture has progressed rapidly. The production of food grains has increased from just 55 million tonnes to a record 309 million tonnes. KC Ravi, Chairman, CropLife India said that since independence the production of pulses, coarse cereals, natural fibres, sugarcane, vegetables and fruits has increased manifold.
He said that India is now one of the top 10 agricultural product exporters and the crop protection industry has played an important role in this.
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