Action by government and agri-tech startups can revamp Indian agriculture: ETILC Members

The Indian agriculture industry is gearing up for record production volumes in the upcoming Kharif season. Despite a surge in Covid-19 numbers, agricultural produce was not hampered in 2020 and doesn’t seem to be slowing down this year either. The Union government is expecting an increase in demand from the farm sector and is making arrangements to supply seeds, fertilizers and pesticides in the required amounts.

However, this show of record high production is happening despite the legacy issues that Indian agriculture has been plagued with for decades. Poor mechanization, low farmer education and awareness, inadequate storage and logistical issues and small land holdings. The efficiency of the industry is also extremely low as it employs close to 60% of India’s population but contributes only 18% to India’s GDP. ETILC members from the industry have analysed which parts of the sector need to be revamped and what policies need to be introduced to finally make a difference.

“Agriculture sector urgently requires a holistic, focused national plan to be conceived and implemented in the mission mode for its improvement. In my opinion, the sector will greatly benefit from a comprehensive framework with clear articulation of roles for institutions, affordable technology and digitisation, tailored policies, extension outreach and technical training,” says Kalyan Ram Madabhushi, Chief Executive Officer – Chemicals, Group Business Head – Fertilisers & Insulators, Aditya…