"India emerging as a global leader in the agrochemical industry": Parshottambhai Rupala

Mr Parshottambhai Rupala, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt of India today said that our farmers are registering an all-time high record production. “When we talk about India, we cannot leave the agriculture sector. When we talk about agriculture, we should be compelled to talk about pesticides, as it plays a very important role in ensuring the growth of agriculture in India,” he added.

Addressing the second day of ‘India Chem 2021’, organized by FICCI, jointly with the Department of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Govt of India, Mr Rupala said, “We need to devise methods and policies to increase farmer’s awareness regarding spraying of pesticides. They need to be made aware of its cost effectiveness and accuracy. The government gives importance to this sector and Indian farmers have successfully generated record production.”

Mr Rupala emphasized on the judicious use of pesticides in the country to increase the strength of the agricultural sector. “Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi deliberated on ways to reform the agriculture sector with an emphasis on agriculture marketing, access of farmers to institutional credit, and freeing the sector from various restrictions with appropriate laws. He had focused on reducing the import of edible oils, increasing food processing (especially in fruits and vegetables), and modern technology which can help to tackle the challenges related to agriculture. Historic-steps in unlocking the regulated agriculture markets are also being taken in the country,” Mr Rupala said.

Mr Rupala also highlighted that adverse effects of climate change and unscientific use of pesticides is leading to deadly diseases like cancer. However, he made it clear that wise use of pesticides is very important for the agriculture sector. “Pesticides can be considered as medicines if it is being used wisely,” he added.

The Minister also talked about several initiatives taken by the central government for enhancing the stability of the agriculture sector in India. “During the time of locust attack, everybody expected that it could completely destroy the agriculture and crops in India. However, the central government, with the help of scientists and agricultural experts combated the attack and saved the crops. We used helicopters, drones etc. to get rid of locusts,” noted Mr Rupala.

Mr RG Agarwal, Chairman, FICCI-Crop Protection Committee and Group Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech Ltd said that the concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat has a huge significance in shaping India’s agricultural economy. “We should try to curb the import of luxury goods from other countries, instead, we should concentrate on importing advanced technology pesticides which are not currently available in our market,” said Mr Agarwal.

Mr Jaidev Shroff, Global CEO, UPL Ltd said, “Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi is driving us towards self-dependence in the agricultural sector which is nothing but Atmanirbharta. UPL is present in more than 130 companies and we are now moving away from a product business to a solution business.”

Mr Rahoul Sawani, President – South Asia, Corteva Agriscience said that agrochemicals have a crucial role to play at a time when the entire industry is facing challenges due to various factors like climate change, and soil degradation.