The Hindu Business Line : Private sector urged to tap potential in agri, horticulture sectors

DR M.V. Rao, Chairman of AP Netherlands Biotechnology Programme, has asked the private sector to step in to tap huge opportunities in agriculture and horticulture.

He also asked them to contribute for research and development as their counterparts did in the West. "They contribute huge amounts to research institutes. Why don't you do that here," he said.

"There are opportunities. There is no doubt about that. But implementation is the main problem," he said, addressing the session on `Opportunities in agriculture in Andhra Pradesh' during the seminar on `Roadmap for agriculture in AP'.

The seminar was organised by the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI).

The Government alone could not do that. There was a need to rope in all the stakeholders to make this happen. Stating that the onus was on the private sector, he said a compact roundtable should be organised to discuss these issues.

On technology missions, he said making bureaucrats as heads of such technology missions would not help. "There would be none to guide," he said.

Earlier, addressing the inaugural session, Mr P.K. Agarwal, Joint Secretary (Agricultural marketing, Union Ministry of Agriculture), said the Government had prepared a scheme for development and strengthening of agricultural marketing infrastructure, grading and standardisation.

"It will provide alternative agricultural marketing infrastructure by inducement of private and cooperative sector investments. It is also aimed at enhancing efficiency and promoting direct marketing," he said.

Mr G. Sudhir, Principal Secretary to AP Government (Cooperation and Marketing), said a new Model Act was being prepared with the objectives such as establishing private markets, special markets, contract farming and different alternative models for marketing.

Mr O.P. Goenka, President of FAPCCI, said lack of proper technological skills, low capital availability, insufficient market and lack of irrigation and infrastructure had resulted in low levels of productivity in India.

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