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Agro meet lays stress on higher yields, quality produce

The four-day international convention Agro-Advantage Maharashtra got off to a fine start in Bombay today evoking encouraging response from foreign delegates for partnership with the state in the agriculture, agro-based industries, horticulture and allied sectors.

Speaking at a symposium on Global Perspective and New Horizons in Indian Agriculture, the foreign participants identified areas for partnerships in particle board projects, integrated poultry, hatchery, broiler and meat processing plants and fruit and vegetable processing plants and vegetable seed production.

The scientific use for higher yields and improving quality of produce was the thrust of the discussion.

Addressing the gathering, Peter N Greenberg, head of the food and agribusiness department of Rabo Bank, the Netherlands, observed that India will have to substantially improve its inputs to raise yields, reduce inefficiency and waste to feed its growing population. The country rates low in areas of inputs and technology, and has a relatively low level use of machinery like tractors and combine harvestors than its neighbouring countries.

K Rajan, former secretary, agriculture department, government of India, and an expert in the field said that Maharashtra has a fairly good infrastructure and substantial investment by the state government in the power sector to ensure adequate power supply.

The state government's policies encourage emergence of strong private sector seed industry. With port facilities, the state has all the attributes to promote food industry.

Rajan said that from the 70's there has been a shift from cereals to crops and with economic liberalisation, reforms and structural adjustments and changes in the currency exchange rates, the market has proved to be very beneficial for agricultural exports.

The Indian market for processed products in consumer packs has been growing and appears to be one segment where there will be continued growth at impressive rates in the future, he said.

UNI

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