Private sector can play a critical role in precision farming In India, says NITI Aayog's member Ramesh Chand

NEW DELHI, 11 November 2023: "When we talk about our picture, we can proudly say that India's diversity is its strength. Farmers form a significant part of this diversity", stated Prof. Ramesh Chand Member, NITI Aayog at the National Conference on 'Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Integration of Improved Inputs, Technology & Mechanization.'  

The conference was organised by the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM). He emphasised the need for new ways to boost agricultural output, recognising the wide range of agricultural practices across the country, from traditional methods in states like Karnataka to sophisticated high-tech agriculture.

In his keynote speech, Prof. Chand highlighted the excellent growth seen in India's agricultural industry, notably in livestock and fisheries, with an annual increase of roughly 2.75%. He recognized the issues faced by the climate change and its impact on productivity, irrigation, and biological processes. Prof. Chand elaborated on the complex interaction between agriculture and climate change, emphasising the significance of cautious management and adaptation techniques. "The real challenge lies in increasing productivity," he said. "To do so, we must address concerns of cost, technological progress, and resource efficiency."

Prof. Chand emphasized the critical role that the private sector can play in precision farming through the application of appropriate technology and tools. He emphasised the importance of partnership between the private and governmental sectors for long-term agricultural growth, saying, "The private sector can provide advisory services, agrochemicals, and suitable technology to support agricultural development."

He also highlighted small-scale farmers' dominance in India's agricultural environment, as well as the necessity to tackle data privacy, market structure, and scalability difficulties.

While delivering the welcome address Mr. Sagar Kaushik, Chairman ASSOCHAM National Council on Chemicals & Petrochemicals, President - Global Corporate & Industry Affairs, UPL elucidated on the importance of connecting farmers with customers in a sustainable way, bringing access to technology for farmers, mitigating climate change as a new hurdle for research. 

Speaking at the conference Ms Ruchira Government and Industry Affairs lead Corteva Agriscience focused on the country plans for next 25 years of Amrit Kaal- a long term vision and prioritization of productivity led growth in agriculture with the foundation of sustainability and climate smart technologies. Conducive policy ecosystem around new age technology which solves ground level issues of small and marginal farmers is of paramount importance.  

N K Aggarwal, Co-Chairman National Council on Agriculture and Farming inputs ASSOCHAM and Chairman Crystal crop protection Ltd. shared his insights on agricultural productivity to contribute to more sustainable and resilient food value chain.
 
ASSOCHAM-Nangia Anderson LLP joint knowledge report titled Harvesting Tomorrow: A blueprint for enhancing agricultural productivity & sustainable agricultural progress was unveiled during the national conference on enhancing agricultural productivity.