Agriculture holds a prime importance in the socio-economic fabric of India. Agriculture and allied sectors remain the backbone of the Indian economy and account for ~11% of the country's GDP, India with the second largest agricultural land in the world (157 Mn. hectares), is also ranked 2nd globally in terms of agricultural output (USO 382 Bn.) behind China {USO 1,005 Bn.). Agriculture In India also employs more than 50% of India' s working population. As per Economic Survey of India 2016, India uses 2 to 4 times more water to produce a unit of major food crop than does China and Brazil. The survey also notes that in India, the farmers' crop yield losses range from 15-25% owing to the presence of weeds/pests etc. as also notes with concern the use of sub-standard pesticides, It is established that the judicious use of crop protection/enhancement chemicals significantly enhance agricultural productivity.
See the photographs from the event. Click here.
FICCI jointly with Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare and Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Govt. of India, has organized the 7th National Agrochemicals Conference 2018 on Theme "Doubling the Farmers Income - Role of Crop Protection Chemicals & Solutions" on 12th July, 2018 at FICCI, Federation House, New Delhi. The conference was successful and executed very well. Shri P Raghavendra Rao, Secretary, Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers delivered the Inaugural Address and Dr. Ashok Daiwal, CEO , National Rainfed Authority of India , Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India delivered Guest of Honour Address in the presence of viz Industry captains, farmers, policy makers, academia, Civil society and many more.
From the podium, inaugurating the event, Raghavendra Rao said,” The prices of the commodities deserves the due prices which will be supported by better irrigation and better infrastructure facilities.”
Mr. Raju Kapoor, Corporate Affairs Leaders: South Asia, Corteva agriscience, DowDuPont mentioned, “The farm produce should be of the utmost quality and prices should not be sacrificed. Farmer should get the renumeration on all the inputs he/she invests in the form of labour,rentals, family inputs and other finances.” “Sustainability is the key, and India having more than 50% population associated with farming, is a farmer’s first country.”stated Puneet Singh
Approximately 29 speakers & 200 delegates participated in the conference. After the INAUGURAL SESSION, Panel Discussion on Doubling the Farmers Income - Role of Crop Protection Chemicals & Solutions took place. Further, Challenges and Opportunities in Agrochemical Sector, followed by Panel Discussion on "Make-In India - Global hub of Production” which ended with discussion on Policy and Governance Reforms"
