President of India Inaugurates 13th Edition of CII Agro Tech India – 2018

Chandigarh, December 1, 2018: 

Hon’ble President of India, Sh. Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the 13^th CII Agro Tech India 2018, a premier Agri and Food Technology Fair, at the Parade Ground in Chandigarh today.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Indian agriculture needs a renewal of its marriage with contemporary technology; protection against climate change, price fluctuations and demand shocks; and sustained investment by and partnership with business. Together these will enhance agricultural value and competitiveness – as well as lead to better incomes.

The President said that through human history, agriculture has moved ahead with cross-fertilization. It is the ideal stage for partnerships, for symbiosis and for mutual learning and sharing. Partnerships can be formed across sectors and across geographies. In previous decades, manufacturing and mechanisation have been of appreciable utility to agriculture. Today a strong relationship is emerging between agriculture and the services sector. Biotechnology, nanotechnology, data science, remote-sensing imaging, autonomous aerial and ground vehicles, and artificial intelligence hold the key to generating more value for agriculture. He expressed confidence that Agro Tech India-2018 will promote specific partnerships that will benefit India’s farmers.

Pointing to the issue of pollution due to stubble burning, the President said that the farmers of Punjab and Haryana are a matter of pride for our country. They have never shied away from a challenge and a responsibility to larger society. Today we are facing a problem related to disposal of crop residue and of safe and clean removal of husk or stubble. In an extreme form, the burning of such items is leading to pollution that affects even little children. It is for all of us, including the state governments, the skilled and large-hearted farmers, and other stakeholders, to come up with a solution. And no doubt technology will help us find a solution.

In his address, Mr Rakesh Bharti Mittal, President, CII said, “As our farmers have met the goal of food security, farming should now be seen as a wealth creation tool. Today’s new age farmer is an entrepreneur and CII is doing a lot to contribute to the cause of doubling the farmers’ income.  We have recommended to the government that states be ranked on an index called ‘Ease of Doing Agriculture’ on the lines of the Ease of Doing Business.”

Mr Mittal also called for reforms in long-term leasing of land, incentivizing farmers who adopt technology and how to synergise farmers and government’s efforts to ultimately benefiting the consumer at the other end.

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, “The time is now ripe for food processing to ensure food for more people in the world and in our country. According to my own Ministry’s study, around Rs1 lakh crore worth of agri-produce is wasted for lack of processing. My Ministry had launched KISAN SAMPADA YOJANA as the prime seven umbrella scheme.”

She informed the gathering of a new scheme that the ministry is partnering with the World Bank to create a food processing revolution. “Rs 3,000 crore will be used to fund farmers for projects up to Rs 10 lakh each,” she added.

The ministry, she added, was also creating a new funding mechanism to finance food processing projects.

Recounting the achievements of the government, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said, “We have doubled the investment in the sector to around Rs 450 crore per year from Rs 200 crore previously. We have also created corpus funds.”

Welcoming the dignitaries, Mr Ajay S Shriram, chairman and senior managing director, DCM Shriram Ltd, and chairman, CII Agro Tech India, 2018, said, “Since its inception in 1994, CII Agro Tech has brought together agribusiness communities from all around the world. The CII Agro Tech India 2018 focuses on leveraging innovation and technology for sustainable development of agriculture and doubling farmers’ income. Spread over 16,000 sq m of space, 14 states and eight countries are participating in the agri technology fair.”

 “The idea is to understand what is required from farmers to double their income in the medium term. Over 50,000 farmers are expected to visit us during the event,” he added.

Thanking all the dignitaries present, Mr SACHIT JAIN, Chairman, CII, Northern Region said, “Application of technology with linkages to market is the key to sustainable agriculture. CII is working on a pilot project to tackle stubble burning in Punjab. We will take it forward in the times to come and fulfill the dreams of Hon’ble President.”

The 13^th CII Agro Tech India event witnessed 158 domestic exhibitors and 37 international exhibitors. The exhibition that has been set up in the 16,000 square m area and has the participation of 14 states and 8 countries.

Present among the galaxy of dignitaries were Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India; Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister for Food Processing Industries, Government of India; Shri V P Singh Badnore, Governor, Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh;  Shri Satyadeo Narain Arya, Governor, Haryana; Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister, Government of Haryana; Mr Rakesh Bharti Mittal, President, CII and Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises; Mr Ajay S Shriram, Chairman, CII Agro Tech India 2018 and Chairman & Senior MD, DCM Shriram Ltd; Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII; and Mr Sachit Jain, Chairman, CII Northern Region and Vice Chairman & MD, Vardhman Special Steels Ltd.