According to a CropLife India-Yes Bank report, pests are estimated to cause an annual loss of INR 2 lakh crores worth of crop yield.
The conference:
The entity hosted a national conference featuring key agriculture ministers, government officials, experts, academia, and industry leaders. Yes Bank was the Knowledge Partner for the event.
The National Conference discussed India’s potential as a global food hub, emphasizing the importance of sustainable crop protection solutions. The Inaugural Session discussed the growth of Indian agriculture as the world’s emerging food basket and the crucial role of states. The Plenary Sessions I and II focused on women driving Indian agriculture growth and innovations for new-age farmers, respectively. The Valedictory Session discussed the significant role of agrochemicals in the growth of Indian agriculture.
The report was released during CropLife India’s 43rd AGM.
Report highlights:
In India, pests are estimated to cause an annual loss of INR 2 lakh crores worth of crop yield.
Indian agriculture is providing food to a population of 1.43 billion.
Contrary to popular belief, crop protection usage in India is only 0.37 kg/hectare, compared to 11.24 kg/hectare in Japan.
CropLife India anticipates State Governments to play a crucial role in establishing a public-private pathway for capacity building and awareness creation.
Drone techs are revolutionizing agri-input delivery, application, and market linkage. Agtech is enhancing crop protection solutions and promoting entrepreneurship in rural areas, thereby transforming crop protection and income generation.
India, after China, is now the second-largest exporter of agrochemicals globally. It is a significant player in the global crop protection industry.
India’s crop protection industry is transitioning from a product-centric to a sustainable solution-centric approach, offering beyond-crop protection to farmers.
State governments play a crucial role in facilitating the ease of doing business and the ease of doing agriculture.
The attendee voices:
Mr Kakani Govardhan Reddy, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Andhra Pradesh:
“The state government is dedicated to educating farmers about how to better use new technology in agriculture. This has resulted in a number of innovative initiatives like “E-KYC Know Your Crop.” The aim is to give farmers access to crucial digital resources. To further support inclusive agricultural practices, the state is thinking about implementing the State Minimum Support Price Act.”
J. P. Dalal, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Haryana:
“We are encouraging Haryana farmers to diversify their crop portfolios and produce in accordance with market demands. The 550-acre Ganaur market currently being built will be bigger and better than markets in developed nations like Spain and France. The market would give farmers access to facilities for block and tehsil-level grading, packaging, and sorting. It will also assist in the export of high-quality goods to foreign markets.”
Dr. Ashok Dalwai, Chairman, Empowered Committee Doubling Farmers’ Income, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India:
“It is important to encourage data-based research studies and develop public-private partnerships. Providing better technologies to the farmers will help them to increase productivity and production.”
Dr. P. K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India:
“Adopting the ‘One Health’ approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment is essential for the development of the country. The urgency lies in the role of technology in enabling multiple crop cycles in the same field, educating farmers, and reframing the perception of agrochemicals.”
Dr. S. C. Dubey, ADG (Plant Protection), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India:
“Agrochemicals are essential for crop loss reduction, productivity increase, and nutrient/water management. R&D investment is crucial for sustainable agriculture, prioritizing environmental sustainability, farmer well-being, and long-term profitability.”
Dr. K. C. Ravi, Chairman, CropLife India:
“The introduction of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and drones would pave the way for innovation. It would also help introduce new products to address the current and upcoming challenges farmers face. A predictable, stable, and science-based policy and regulatory regime is essential for properly developing the crop protection sector as India becomes a major global food hub.”
Ms Chhavi Rajawat, the first MBA Sarpanch, Sangeeta Bojappa, Dr. Anupama Singh, IARI Scientist, and Nisha Solanki, the first woman drone pilot of Haryana, discussed women’s role in Indian agriculture growth.
CropLife India commitment:
CropLife India is committed to delivering safer crop protection innovations and educating farmers on responsible use while also fostering a science-based, pragmatic, and stable regulatory environment for Indian agriculture.
CropLife collaborates with farmers, scientists, and policymakers to tackle challenges, but research costs have increased, estimated at Rs 2,000 crores. A progressive policy environment fostering innovation is crucial for Indian agriculture’s success and competitiveness.