Regular Update
ATM News Network: CropLife India, a prominent agriculture-focused organization, recently hosted its 43rd Annual General Meeting, attracting key figures in the agricultural sector, including Agriculture Ministers from Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, government officials, experts, academics, and industry leaders. The event, in collaboration with Yes Bank, addressed critical issues in India's agriculture landscape.
During the conference, CropLife India and Yes Bank unveiled a comprehensive knowledge report highlighting significant concerns regarding crop protection and yield losses in India. The report revealed startling statistics, indicating that India uses a mere 0.37 kg of crop protection products per hectare, in stark contrast to Japan's 11.24 kg per hectare. Even more concerning is the revelation that the country experiences an annual loss of INR 2 lakh crores (2 trillion rupees) in crop yields due to pest infestations.
This eye-opening report underscores the pivotal role of state governments in fostering an environment conducive to both agricultural and business growth. It is essential for states to facilitate ease of doing business and agriculture to address these alarming issues effectively.
India's growing prominence in the global agrochemical industry was also highlighted, positioning the country as the world's second-largest exporter of agrochemicals, trailing only China. This recognition underscores India's critical role in the global crop protection landscape, as confirmed by recent data from the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The national conference revolved around the theme "India – An Emerging Global Food Hub: Role of Sustainable Crop Protection Solutions." The inaugural session emphasized "The Rise of Indian Agriculture – World’s Emerging Food Basket & the Role of States." Subsequent plenary sessions explored topics such as "Women driving the growth of Indian Agriculture" and "Innovations for the New-Age Farmers." The concluding session delved into "The Role of Agrochemicals in the growth of Indian Agriculture."
Kakani Govardhan Reddy, Minister of Agriculture for the Government of Andhra Pradesh, reiterated the state's commitment to agricultural development. He highlighted initiatives like 'E-KYC Know Your Crop,' aimed at providing farmers with essential digital resources, and the potential implementation of the State Minimum Support Price Act to bolster inclusive agricultural practices.
The CropLife India report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing India's agriculture sector and underscores the urgent need for sustainable crop protection solutions to mitigate annual yield losses.
