The Hindu Business Line : `Farmers need a better deal'

FARMERS would enthusiastically engage in production of agricultural crops if only they were assured of a minimum guaranteed price for their produce; the Maharashtra Government is in the process of formulating an agri-business policy aimed at integrating various stakeholder segments in the agricultural sector; as part of endeavour to make the farm sector a profitable business proposition, the Government would lend support to events that seek to popularise opportunities in the farm sector.

This was the thrust of the remarks made by various speakers at the inaugural function of a 3-day exhibition called Maharashtra Agri Food 2004 at the World Trade Centre early this week.

Mr Anandrao Deokate, Chairman of Maharashtra State Milk Co-operatives Federation and former Minister for Dairy and Animal Husbandry, said in his inaugural address that farmers did not have adequate financial strength to take heavy risks for cultivating capital-intensive cash crops.

So, adequate facilities of financing, marketing and management and technological inputs should be extended to them.

Mr J.H. Saharia, Secretary (Agriculture and Horticulture), said that the Government would bring an additional seven lakh hectares under cultivation following the launch of the water conservation project and ensure improved delivery of credit to farmers to enable them meet the challenges posed by WTO norms.

Mr Dhumal, Principal Secretary; Mr S. Balan, Managing Director of Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers; Mr Nanik Rupani, President of Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC); Mr Baldev Chand, Dairy Commissioner; and Mr Ramesh Kumar, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, also spoke on the occasion and emphasised the importance of contract farming, extension services and productivity enhancement.

The exhibition was organised by Wisitex Foundation in association with IMC and supported by the Maharashtra Government.

More Stories on : Agricultural Policy | Maharashtra

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`Farmers need a better deal'