CropLife India welcomes Union Budget 2023-24 and applauds the Government for initiating the digital public agriculture infrastructure

CropLife India complimented the Government of India for initiating the development of a robust digital public infrastructure in the agriculture industry for aiding the crop protection industry in the Union Budget 2023-24. This will enable inclusive farmer-centric solutions through relevant information services, for crop planning and health, improved access to farm inputs, credit, and insurance, help for crop estimation, market intelligence, and support for the growth of agri-tech startups.

An Agriculture Accelerator Fund will be set up to encourage the formation of agri-startups by young entrepreneurs in rural areas. The fund will aim at bringing innovative and affordable solutions for challenges faced by farmers. It will also bring in modern technologies to transform agricultural practices and increase productivity and profitability.

The Budget 2022-23 witnessed the inclusion of ″Kisan Drones″ for Agrochemical Spraying, crop assessment & digitization of land records. Kisan Drones are now fast emerging as the Indian farmers’ best friend and setting up the digital public infrastructure would further boost Indian agriculture and provide a fillip to the digital ecosystem for agriculture.

Mr. Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General, CropLife India shared,″It is extremely delightful to witness the initiation of digital public infrastructure for agriculture aiding the crop protection industry in the Union Budget 2023-24. The Government’s push towards Digitalization of Agriculture coupled with the focus on Hi-Tech services would enhance rural entrepreneurship and infuse youth back in the farmlands, boosting the productivity″.

CropLife India and its members have been urging the Government to reduce the GST on agrochemicals from the current 18% to 12% and provide a 200% weighted deduction on R&D expenses by agrochemical companies; both of which would have directly benefited the farmers.