Initiative to promote sustainable agri-practices, courtesy CropLife

New Delhi: The role of crop protection science and agri-biotechnology for enhanced crop production was emphasised when the leading Indian and international companies got together to change the name of their trade association to CropLife India. Union Agriculture Minister Ajit Singh launched the association at a function here yesterday.

Singh lauded the efforts of the crop protection and agri-biotech industry in forming the organisation, CropLife India, to adopt a comprehensive approach for sustainability of crops, including the impact on human life and environment. He also assured the industry of all support in their move towards fighting the menace of spurious pesticides.

The minister informed that the government is currently considering a new pesticide, ACT, under which it would be compulsory for all dealers to have qualified dispenser, who will, in turn, advice the farmers on the right choice and method of usage.

CropLife India will work to promote education and new agro-tech practices among the small and medium farmers, with a view to provide them with a sustainable agrarian model. CropLife has been formed by leading research and development oriented plant science companies, which together account for over 70 per cent of the Rs 4,000-crore crop protection industry in India.

Indian agriculture has the daunting task of feeding and clothing 16 per cent of the world's population on less than 2 per cent of the total landmass. With already 190 million hectares of gross cultivated area, the scope for bringing new areas under cultivation is severely limited. Thus, the growth will have to come from increased productivity.

In addition, economic considerations are leading to the withdrawal of subsidies and a more competitive agrarian economy. Thus, Indian farmers will need to adopt scientific techniques of crop protection to enhance productivity and make agriculture sustainable.