The need for new technological applications to raise agricultural production, improve soil quality and raise seed yields was discussed at length at a seminar on 'Technology as a Driver for Agriculture Growth', organised by FICCI here on Friday.
Setting the tone for the meeting, Mr S. Sivakumar, Chief Executive, Agribusiness Division, ITC Ltd, said there were times when there was more farm production, a fall in prices and, thus, impacting the earnings of farmers. Technology should be applied to ensure higher income for farmers and, at the same time, lower prices for consumers.
"One way is to raise production through the technology route and reduce production cost through efficient use of inputs and better supply chain management," he said.
Many speakers were in favour of introduction of GM crops to increase farm yield. "GM crops were an eco-friendly solution and should be integrated with organic farming. This holds great promise for Indian agriculture," Dr P. Anand Kumar, Project Director, National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, said.
Sharing the same sentiment, Mr Ram Kaundinya, Chairman of the Association of Biotechnology-led Enterprises, said there was unfortunately a paralysis of policy and support on GM crops from the government side. He debunked the opposition raised against GM crops on issues of safety, higher costs and other economic parameters.