Agrochemical Industry expected increase in custom duty on formulations & inclusion under PLI scheme: CCFI

Champion sector under PLI scheme would have benefited the indigenous manufacturers, reduced dependence on China, incentivised local production and curtailed imports. 

Likewise it was expected that custom duty on formulations imports should have increased to 30% to encourage Indian manufacturers who have the capability and capacity to not only meet growing domestic demand but also meet export commitment. This CCFI hopes would be taken during the interim to safeguard the indigenous industry. 

Focus on Post harvest crop losses would mean saving of food grain for which agrochemical industry is committed and working meticulously. CCFI’s major corporates are already in this field. CCFI feels value addition at cropping sites, setting up food processing units would generate more rural Employment and easy accessible market for producers.

Kisan drones for agriculture though a new concept in India, are used globally. Mapping of land in terms of plot sizes, diverse cropping pattern and farmer acceptance is a challenge but faster Govt clearances would result in adaptation in concurrent cropping areas. Recommendation of molecules and remote charging stations would facilitate the process. The industry has positioned hundreds of tractor mounted sprayers for safety of operators and large coverage.

Natural Farming (ZBNF)promotion being promoted along or close to river Ganga is most desirable but mimics nature and disallows human supplied inputs. Allows use of only on farm/in house resources. The productivity aspects needs monitoring.

According to natural farming philosophy, the plants get 98% of their nutrient requirements from the air, water and sunlight. Owning indigenous cow is a prerequisite to practicing natural farming. Production and marketing remain unregulated and govt intervention required to fetch premium price. 

Agri start up push would result in local skill development, more talent for diversified businesses and obviously employment. In fact CCFI members are inculcating these at school level as part of CSR to train the younger generation for accepting Agriculture as an Industry.

In Ease of doing business, in agriculture  better coordination between departments, universities and ministries would facilitate in faster than expected results from the agrochemical fraternity. Of  greater importance would be thrust in exports in this sector which earns valuable foreign exchange.

In terms of allocation of funds both Ministries of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers are among the lowest in the ranking which as was observed during Covid pandemic not only sustained but recorded higher acreage and yield.