India’s agriculture ministers came together at a national conference organized by CropLife India to address the challenges of crop protection in the country. The conference, held on the occasion of the association’s 43rd annual general meeting, saw the participation of agriculture ministers from Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, along with senior government officials, experts, academia, and industry leaders. The event was supported by YES BANK as the knowledge partner.
During the conference, several key points were highlighted:
1. Crop yield losses due to pests in India amount to approximately Rs 2 lakh crores annually.
2. Indian agriculture plays a crucial role in feeding the country’s massive population of 1.43 billion.
3. Contrary to popular belief, crop protection usage in India is relatively low at 0.37 kg/hectare, compared to 11.24 kg/hectare in Japan.
4. The crop protection industry in India is transitioning from a product-centric approach to a more sustainable solution-centric approach, with a focus on providing beyond-crop protection offerings to farmers.
5. Agtech, including drone technology, is revolutionizing the delivery and application of agricultural inputs, as well as creating additional income-generating opportunities in rural areas.
6. State governments have a crucial role to play in facilitating ease of doing business and ease of doing agriculture.
7. CropLife India believes that state governments can contribute significantly to capacity building and awareness creation through a public-private pathway.
8. India is now the second-largest exporter of agrochemicals globally, following China, making it a significant player in the global crop protection industry.
The discussions during the conference focused on the theme of India – An Emerging Global Food Hub: Role of Sustainable Crop Protection Solutions. The inaugural session highlighted the rise of Indian agriculture as a global food basket and the role of states in this growth. Other sessions discussed the contributions of women to Indian agriculture and explored innovations for the new-age farmers. The valedictory session focused on the role of agrochemicals in the growth of Indian agriculture.
During his address, Kakani Govardhan Reddy, Minister of Agriculture for Andhra Pradesh, emphasized the state government’s commitment to farmers’ education and the use of new agricultural technologies. J.P. Dalal, Minister of Agriculture for Haryana, encouraged farmers in his state to diversify crops and produce according to market demands. He also mentioned the construction of a large market in Ganaur, Haryana, which will provide facilities for grading, packaging, and sorting produce.
Government officials and industry experts highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, the adoption of technology, responsible use of agrochemicals, and the need for a supportive policy environment to foster innovation in the crop protection sector. They also emphasized the significance of sustainable agriculture and balancing the health of people, animals, and the environment.
CropLife India, an association of 16 research and development-driven crop protection companies, reiterated its commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture in India. The association represents around 70% of the market and is responsible for introducing 95% of the molecules used in the country. CropLife India’s members work closely with farmers, scientists, and policymakers to address current challenges and contribute to the sector’s growth.
In conclusion, the national conference organized by CropLife India brought together India’s agriculture ministers, government officials, experts, academia, and industry leaders to address crop protection challenges. The discussions and sessions emphasized the need for sustainable solutions, the role of technology in agriculture, and the importance of supportive government policies. The conference highlighted India’s position as a key player in the global crop protection industry and its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure food supply.
