IFFCO launches World’s first Nano Urea Fertilizer at second edition of CII Farmers’ Connect Programme
Kolkata, Aug 29 (FN Agency) CII is organizing the second edition of Farmers’ Connect from today on the CII Virtual Platform, where IFFCO launched the nanotechnology based Nano Urea fertiliser to address the imbalanced and excessive use of conventional urea. Biplab Mitra, State Minister-in-Charge, Department of Agriculture Marketing, stated that West Bengal has 186 Krishak Bazaars working towards eliminating middlemen and contributing towards better price realization of farmers. Government is emphasizing on development of rural infrastructure for the upliftment of rural community, the Minister added. He spoke on Potato Procurement & Distribution Scheme 2021, in order to prevent distress sale and protect the interests of potato growers. Mr Mitra emphasized that the Cabinet allowed cold storage owners to purchase potatoes directly from farmers at reasonable prices. This integrated support system is indeed a win-win situation for both producers and consumers, according to him. Mr Mitra further spoke of Netaji Subhash Training Organization, aimed at imparting training to various levels of personnel involved in agricultural marketing activities He mentioned that currently more than 300 Krishi Shops are operating in the state benefitting 44000 farmers.
The state has attained self-sufficiency in fruits and vegetables production, Sufal Bangla being highly instrumental in procuring sorted and graded fresh fruits and vegetables in accordance with the customers need and demand from the Farm Gate only. Speaking at the session, Prof Ashok Gulati, Infosys Chair Professor, Agriculture- ICRIER (former Chairman, CACP, GoI; Director, IFPRI; member PMEAC, India) said that we have achieved several milestones since 1947.Technology evolved bringing some important revolutions namely the green and white revolution, he added. He suggested few measures of reform for the Indian Agriculture sector, namely a shift in agriculture policy from price policy to income policy for both the farmers as well as consumers. He also called to reduce wastage/transaction cost and work on ensuring nutritional security. Policies, according to Prof Gulati, should be introduced to help farmers cope with the price volatility and competitive agricultural markets with good infrastructure should be set up. Innovative products or farming practices should also be promoted, the Infosys Chair Professor, Agriculture- ICRIER (former Chairman, CACP, GoI; Director, IFPRI; member PMEAC, India) said in his address.
He stated that there is a need to shift to solar as a third crop and to change irrigation technologies as well. He also said that paddy cultivation is depleting the groundwater, hence it is important to change the way of doing business keeping productivity high and reducing carbon emissions. Speaking about Carbon Sequestration, he said that Agricultural fields can act as a carbon sink through sequestering – binding – greenhouse gasses. “We need to put in efforts to make Agriculture more resilient to climate change,” said Prof Gulati. Dr B N Srinivasa Murthy , Director, ICAR – IIHR ( Indian Institute of Horticultural Research), Government of India, speaking at the session mentioned that it is imperative for farmers to have market access and linkage for growing their business. He emphasized on focusing on agro climatic conditions of states and analyse their speciality and good channels should connect the country for the eminent flow in market. Integrated markets should be developed and shift from traditional to modern practices should be adopted. Alternative methods of farming like horticulture like Apiculture should be looked into. He spoke about Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) which is a scheme of the Central Government for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector.