Describing the coming together of Centre, states, industry, and Civil Society organization in the welfare of agriculture sector a healthy thing, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICAR said that in the next 25 years, by the time India’s Amritkal is complete, India will write a better and spectacular story wherein agriculture sector will play an important role.
He was speaking at a seminar in New Delhi on “Unlocking the Potential of India’s Agriculture: Key to Unleash A Thriving Economy” organized by the Foundation for the Growth of New India or FGNI.
Dr. Pathak who himself was a farmer in his early growing up years said that he feels the pain of India’s farmers, particularly the small and marginal farmers. If India is to be a developed nation by 2047, it cannot happen without agriculture and the contribution of small and marginal farmers, he stated.
Pathak was joined by Dr. R. B. Singh, a well-known figure in India’s agriculture policy field, ‘Padma Bhushan’ awardee, Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal and President & Founding Member of FGNI and Shri R. G. Agarwal, Advisor, FGNI.
Calling for making “New India” a truly New India which is equitable, prosperous and happy too, Dr. R. B. Singh said, “World is looking towards India for direction, G20 presidency being one of such instances, however rather than being complacent, we should empower our farmers and rural populace, who constitute about 50% of population with technology to increase their income from being one fourth in comparison to non-farmers to being equal to any other group.
R. G. Agarwal candidly spoke at length on a number of issues faced by Indian farmers, including use of injurious pesticides imported from China which is damaging the soil and crops, lack of technology in hands of farmers, different treatment to fertilizer and pesticides by the government etc.
Binod Anand, who spoke on the plight of small and marginal farmers, proposed to organize four deliberations on the issues faced by farmers. The same was agreed upon by all scientists and eminent personalities. DG ICAR Dr. Himanshu Pathak also accepted to be a patron of the foundation.
FGNI will compile the suggestions and inputs presented by the participating scientists, industrialists and other eminent speakers and will bring out a Policy Paper to be presented to government, said Anand.
Several scientists and eminent persons were present on the occasion including B. V. Rao, Group Consulting Editor (Digital), India Today Group.