New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar has said that the private sector should come forward and support the government in reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides in the agriculture sector. Addressing the 11th ‘Agrochemicals Conference 2022 -Policy Landscape for a Flourishing Agrochemicals Industry’ organized by FICCI, with the support of Department of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Tomar while speaking virtually, added that India is agriculture oriented, and agriculture has a huge contribution in country’s economy.

“Profit is very important for the farmers in the agriculture sector. Increase in production is also necessary. It is imperative to increase the profits in the field of agriculture and post-harvest losses to the farmers should be minimal for which the government is working on several schemes,” added Tomar, while stating that the government is promoting the use of newer technology to be adopted by the farmers to produce expensive crops. “Work is also being done to ensure uniformity in production of crops along with ensuring quality in the production,” he said.

Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers and New & Renewable Energy, stated that the government aims to move forward while keeping in mind the benefits for farmers. “With rising population, it is important to focus on food security along with ensuring farmers produce at lower cost and safeguarding the environment.” He further added that the government is farmers and business friendly and works to remove barriers by amending policy and reforms as and when needed.

RG Agarwal, Chairman, FICCI Crop Protection Committee and Chairman, Dhanuka Group, said, “We urge the government to reduce GST rates on pesticides and bring it at 5 per cent like fertilizers so as to benefit small and marginal farmers as well. The government should also provide PLI to the pesticides industry to develop the domestic industry as an international manufacturing hub.” FICCI-PwC Knowledge paper ‘Policy Landscape for a Flourishing Agrochemicals Industry’ was also released during the event. /BI/