Deliberations were made on digital agri mission, climate change and its impact on crops
CropLife India recently organised its 41st Annual General Meeting & Open House, which witnessed the congregation of Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Minister of State, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; senior government officials, experts and industry captains on the cause of supporting the farmer.
The Open House – Virtual Conference, observed an inaugural session, India @ 75: Indian Agrochemical Industry; a Special Address on “Agrochemical Industry’s Contributions in Sustainable Food Systems” by Giulia Di Tommaso, President and CEO, CropLife International; a panel discussion on ’Policy & Regulatory Roadmap for Agrochemicals Sector”’ and a valedictory session on ’Way Forward for Indian Agrochemical Industry.’
In his Chief Guest address, Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, shared, “With this, the government has started the Digital Agriculture Mission. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has signed MoUs with the private sector to take forward digital agriculture, which aims to benefit farmers in every way while increasing their income.”
Dr Ashok Dalwai, CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, opined, “The impact of climate change has a direct/indirect fallout on pests, which creates an impact on crops. The crop protection industry needs to leverage the R&D facilities, thus imbibing the policies of drone technology and artificial intelligence.”
Dr SK Malhotra, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare said, “India needs new molecules, which are safer and more effective. The industry needs to come forward and introduce new molecules; aligned with international standards, which will be welcomed with open arms.”
Dr Ravi Prakash, Plant Protection Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare said, “The quality of the products are being monitored with the help of national laboratories, constantly and the use of the drone will be encouraged in the country.”
Dr KC Ravi, Chairman, CropLife India shared the 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”.
Asitava Sen, CEO, CropLife India mentioned, “CropLife India and its member companies have always believed in and demonstrated a constructive partnership approach with the government and other stakeholders, and would like to continue to contribute to strengthening the collaborative ecosystem.”
