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HomePosts Tagged "Rajvir Rathi"
AgroPolicy, India, Interaction

Panel discussion on Govt policies & Farmers’ Aspiration to Shape Agritech Landscape

AgroSpectrum Technovate 2025, a premier conference dedicated to exploring the intersection of agriculture and technology, kicked off in Navi Mumbai, today. The two-day event brings together industry leaders, innovators, researchers, and policymakers to discuss and showcase the latest advancements in agritech. With a focus on sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies, the conference will address the challenges and opportunities facing the agricultural sector in the 21st century.

A panel discussion on ‘Government policies & Farmers’ Aspirations to Shape Agritech Landscape’ on the inaugural day of AgroSpectrum Technovate 2025 was moderated by Dr Sudhir Kumar Goel, Former Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture and Marketing, Government of Maharashtra. The panellists included Dr S Ganesan, Vice President-Agriculture Policies and Outreach, UPL AG; Rajvir Rathi, Director-Agricultural Affairs & Policy, IM-IBSL Lead-Traits Licensing Business, Bayer CropScience.

Dr Goel started by asking whether government policies are conducive in the agri-tech landscape. While answering about the aspirations of the government, Rathi mentioned three major trends: aggregation and collectivisation, mechanisation and digitalisation. Innovation and technology are the need of the hour for the agri-sector. Whether seeds, fertilisers, irrigation techniques, crop health management, nutrition management, storage, post-harvest, etc, need to be linked to the market demand. We should always remember that a farmer is producing for himself, for the nation and then for exports. A farmer should be provided with real-time data about the prices so that the products can be sold easily.

According to him, the other important thing is to know what is essentially native when a farmer sows seed in the ground till the crop is harvested. Giving information about rainfall and other weather parameters can help in the better management of crops.

Dr Ganesan mentioned that there is a need for a comprehensive understanding of current agricultural practices. He opined that though the current output of Indian agriculture is double that of the US, still India is lagging. The problem lies that the pride of Indian agriculture is missing, and we are shedding tears on farmers earning less, but no one is talking about market access. This is where the need for better access is needed.

He cited examples of how Brazil has been the most successful country in the global export of agricultural products and has access to over 200 countries in the world. He talked about addressing the aspirations and reality in the agri sector. Farmers are the ones who know more than policy makers and agricultural institutions in India, as he mentioned.

All the panellists agreed upon the need for new tech innovations where farmers get the right information. How fast real-time data can be shared with farmers can bring in much-needed change in the agri-sector. The collaboration will help meet the aspirations of the farmers.

Panel discussion on Govt policies & Farmers’

Agrotech, India, People, Seeds

FSII ropes in Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah Seeds as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Shirish Barwale, Director, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company as Vice Chairman.

Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), the prominent industry association of R&D based seed companies in India, is delighted to announce the successful leadership transition with Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah Seeds Private Limited, assuming the role of the Chairman of the Board of Directors. FSII held its Annual General Meeting on 25 Sep 2023, which marked the occasion of the new leadership team formally taking over the mantle.

 Rajvir Rathi, Head – Public Affairs, Science & Sustainability IBSL and Lead – Traits Licensing Business, Bayer CropScience Limited and Shirish Barwale, Director, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Private Limited, assumed the roles of Vice Chairmen. Dr Venkatram Vasantavada, MD & CEO, SeedWorks International Private Limited, took charge as the Finance Director. 

The new leadership team expressed their profound gratitude for the dedicated efforts of the founding and former Board members who, since its inception, have been instrumental in shaping FSII into a respected industry association at the forefront of India’s seed sector.

FSII’s rich legacy, built upon the vision and relentless dedication of these early pioneers, has led to its establishment as a pioneering industry association for the Indian seed sector. Over the years, FSII has achieved remarkable growth, recognition, and respect within the industry, primarily due to the tireless commitment of those who have steered its course.

Under the guidance of the newly appointed leadership, FSII is now poised to take its mission to the next level. With a renewed focus on becoming a ‘knowledge-driven’ federation of research-based seed companies in India, FSII aims to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Indian seed sector. The organization envisions a future where innovative research, sustainable practices, and knowledge-sharing will drive the industry to new heights.

“On behalf of the new leadership team, we acknowledge the great efforts of our founding and former leadership who have brought FSII to what it is today as the voice of Indian seed sector. FSII is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future, leading the way towards a knowledge-driven and prosperous Indian seed sector. Our commitment is unwavering, and we are determined to build upon the strong foundation laid by our predecessors. As we embark on this exciting journey of leadership continuity and renewed focus, we invite all the industry stakeholders, partners, and collaborators to join hands with us in shaping the future of the Indian seed sector. Together, we can collectively contribute to the growth, sustainability, and prosperity of this most important industry.” said Ajai Rana on the occasion.

FSII’s leadership transition represents a vital step on the continuum of progress, ensuring that the organization remains relevant, dynamic, and influential in the years to come. The new team is dedicated to preserving the values and vision of FSII while simultaneously adapting to the evolving needs of the industry.

Focusing on strategic stakeholder engagement and targeted policy advocacy, FSII is all set to bolster its collaboration with Central and State governments, various Ministries, departments, and statutory bodies to ensure that policy and regulatory frameworks are holistic and conducive to the growth of the seed industry and aligned with nation’s Amrit Kaal aspirations.

This leadership transition not only ensures that FSII remains agile and expands its sphere of influence in the ever-evolving Indian seed industry but also places a strong emphasis on fostering enhanced collaboration and communication with key stakeholders.

FSII will actively seek collaboration and partnerships with industry players, research institutions, academia, scientific fraternity, and other stakeholders to drive innovation and knowledge exchange within the sector. FSII committed to disseminating industry insights and promoting best practices among its members and stakeholders.

FSII ropes in Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah