Time is ripe to give farmers a sense of income security, says Badnore

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 24

The time is ripe to think beyond ‘food security’ and give back to our farmers a sense of ‘income security’, said VP Singh Badnore, Governor, while addressing the valedictory session of week-long online seminar of CII Agro and Food Tech 2020 that concluded last night.

“We need to facilitate our farmers moving up the value chain, from being mere producers to agri-entrepreneurs. They need to be trained to transform their farms into production-cum- processing centres. Prosperity to farmers can be ensured by making farming a profitable preposition,” he added.

He urged urge all concerned stakeholders to put in concerted efforts to bring in place a mechanism that catapults the prospects for Indian agriculture sector. This will not only lead to inclusive growth but will also provide employment opportunities for numerous landless labourers, small and marginal farmers. “Research in our institutes should be oriented to address the critical issues that hinder the development of rural businesses,” said the Governor.

Ajay S Shriram, chairman, CII Agro and Food Tech 2020, said, “In the virtual arena, CII Agro and Food Tech has made its mark and presence felt across the globe. During the week, the event was addressed by five Union ministers, 8 ministers from various states, 14 secretaries from Government of India and respective state governments. There have been an encouraging number of over 130 exhibitors at the virtual exhibition arena, including international exhibitors from countries such as UK, Canada, Indonesia and UAE.”

Nikhil Sawhney, chairman, CII Northern region, said, “This platform has been an endeavour to reach out to various stakeholders and bring them to a common platform for taking agriculture to the next phase of growth and development.”

Abhimanyu Munjal, deputy chairman, CII Northern region, thanked partner ministries, international participants and partner country United Kingdom, sponsors, eminent speakers, media, delegates, visitors and exhibitors for their overwhelming support provided by them at the CII Agro and Food Tech 2020.