"Agriculture as a priority area focusses on enhanced productivity", CCFl reactions

 ″The union budget for 2024–25 was presented in Indian Parliament today by the Finance Minister Ms Nirmala Sitharaman. This is the third 5-year term of Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, who has focused agriculture as one of the priority areas in the budget this time″ stated Mr Harish Mehta senior advisor Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI). 

CCFI is the oldest federation on Indian agrochemical manufacturers celebrating their diamond jubilee with over 60 years of service for the farming community 

 ″Agriculture as a priority area focusses on enhanced productivity to meet the growing demand for food grains, horticultural crops and vegetables″ emphasized Harish Mehta reacting on the budget presented.″

Mr Deepak Shah Chairman CCFI praised the role of private sector in agricultural R&D which is of paramount importance for introducing high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties. 

″Already our members have invested heavily in research under Indian climatic conditions to develop newer technologies. This would strengthen farmers with tools to combat climate challenges, ensuring stable and improved yields. Ensuring economic stability for farmers would result in more investment for better farming practices and faster adoption. The focus on enhancing the supply chain infrastructure, including storage and transportation, will minimize post-harvest losses and improve market access.″

"The Union Budget 2024-2025's significant allocation of Rs 1.52 lac Crores for the agricultural sector is a turning point for Indian agriculture. By focusing on productivity and resilience, this budget promises to transform the lives of farmers and boost the overall economy″ stated Mr Rajesh Aggarwal, Vice Chairman, Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI).

He further stated ″Agrochemicals, now a champion sector would ensure quality inputs to not only meet domestic demand but cater to exports to over 152 countries without any rejections. Our proposal for including agrochemicals under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) is in decisive stage which will not only bring in huge investment from indigenous manufacturers but also ensure making us self-reliant, curtail unnecessary imports and become an export surplus destination. Today India has the second highest agricultural production globally only after China which tops the list. 

Furthermore, the budget's inclusive growth strategy, targeting women who have critical role in field operations & skilled youth as prime future drivers and the economically disadvantaged, align well with our vision of a prosperous and equitable agricultural sector″

″CCFI has over the years has trained thousands of farmers on judicious use of agricultural inputs resulting in curtailing crop losses and enhancing productivity. We are confident that agriculture would play a pivotal role in India’s goal of achieving. $5 Trillion economy″ stated Mr Harish Mehta with confidence.