India 4th Largest Producer of Agrochemicals, Huge Potential for Growth: Tomar

According to Agriculture Minister Mr. Narendra Singh Tomar, India is the world’s fourth-largest producer of agrochemicals, and the industry has a tremendous potential for development with the help of research, innovation, and a quick registration procedure.

Mr. Tomar said the Centre has created a digital agricultural mission and is focused on the usage of drones in the farm sector while speaking at the 41st AGM of CroplifeIndia, an apex organisation of 15 Crop science companies.

“India is the world’s fourth-largest agrochemical producer. The government has identified the agrochemical industry as one of the 12 champion industries where India can play a significant role in the global supply chain, recognising its potential” Mr. Tomar was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Croplife.

“With the support of innovation, a quick registration system, early crop protection research, and a digitalisation push, there is a lot of potential to be a leader in the chemical business,” the minister added.

Mr. Tomar stated that the central government is concentrating on the usage of drones in agriculture and has launched the Digital Agriculture Mission.

The agricultural ministry has inked memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the commercial sector to advance digital agriculture, which seeks to assist farmers in all ways while boosting their revenue.

“Climate change has a direct and indirect influence on pests, which has an impact on agriculture. T he crop protection sector has to utilise R&D facilities, thereby imbibing the policies of Drone technology and Artificial Intelligence.” According to Mr. Ashok Dalwai, CEO of the National Rainfed Area Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, “

“India needs new molecules that are safer and more effective.  Industry must step up and introduce new molecules that are compliant with international standards.” said Mr. SK Malhotra, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

The crop protection business has been making progress in exporting products, gaining foreign money, according to Mr. Ravi Prakash, Plant Protection Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

“Indian agriculture has advanced rapidly in the previous 75 years. Food grain output has risen to a record high of 309 million tonnes, up from a low of 55 million tonnes. Since Independence, production of pulses, coarse grains, natural fibres, sugarcane, vegetables, and fruits has increased sharply,” stated Mr. KC Ravi, Chairman of CropLife India.

He went on to say that India is currently among the top ten exporters of agricultural products, and that the crop protection business has played a key part in this.

Source: IBEF