The two-day ‘4th India Agricultural Outlook Forum 2020’ webinar started in Krishi Bhawan, on Thursday in which several participants from international organisations like FAO, EU and OECD; scientists from ICAR, representatives from agro-Industries, business and farmers associations are taking part.
In his address, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Parshottam Rupala mentioned how the agriculture sector has emerged as the star performer in India’s pandemic-hit economy. He congratulated farmers and other stakeholders for the same. The agriculture sector has recorded a 3.4% growth during the first quarter of 2020-21, Rupala informed.
On the recent reforms and policy measures, Rupala mentioned that the Government’s main objective is to strengthen all activities and services in agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors through creation and development of agriculture infrastructure, micro food enterprises, value chains and logistics for fishery and animal husbandry, medicinal and herbal plants, and beekeeping.
He expressed confidence that the Forum’s deliberations would bring out more clarity on global developmental issues and the objective of transforming agriculture into farmers’ welfare and prosperity while maintaining quality of natural resources.
Speaking on the occasion Sanjay Agarwal, Secretary briefed about the key agricultural reforms initiated during the last few months and said govt is keen on transforming farmers into entrepreneurs.
Agrawal also discussed the long-standing legacy issues in agriculture and especially the marketing aspect of agricultural produce, including agricultural infrastructure and food supply management, and their impact on the price realization by farmers.
He mentioned about the ecosystem that has been created for post-harvest management and other steps taken by the Ministry for promotion of Farmers Producer Organizations, availability of short-term credit to small and marginal farmers, promotion of direct marketing, contract farming, price assurance and risk mitigation of farmers.
The Secretary felt required changes in the state legislation are needed to give effect to these reforms. He expressed optimism that the forum’s deliberations would help in bringing out necessary policy inputs for future.
The main topics for discussion during the forum are: current national and international agricultural economic situation dictated by the pandemic and the way in which India and the world struggled to keep their economies going by minimizing the adverse impacts; game-changer farm sector initiatives; converging Indian agriculture with global commitments on sustainable and inclusive farm growth; decoding agri-tech potential; exploring new channels for rationalising cost structure of Govt. procurement agencies; and capacity building for employment opportunities.
The forum is being virtually attended by the officials from centre and state governments, national and international agriculture research institutes; Chief Economist USDA; delegation from foreign embassies; International organisations like FAO, EU and OECD; scientists from ICAR, representatives from agro-Industries, business and farmers associations.
