‘India lags behind neighbours in farm sector’

India’s agriculture sector could not match the productivity level of neighbouring countries despite the technical knowhow and expertise available in the country, said DK Jain, Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC).

This is really a concern as Vietnam is doing far better than India in agriculture sector. India could not reach that level even though the sector has great potential for employment generation and export earnings, he said while inaugurating the two-day DAC-ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) interface here.

Lack of data Jain pointed out that State-wise updated statistics in the agriculture sector is essential for formulating strategies. In the absence of adequate quality data, the country could not proceed in an effective way, he said and sought the cooperation of State departments in this regard.

According to Jain, the problems and requirements being faced by farmers in various States are not appropriately conveyed to ICAR institutes to adopt suitable technologies and researches to find solutions. This is possible only through active coordination of DAC, ICAR and State departments, he said.

Horticulture Commissioner SK Malhotra called for concerted efforts by DAC and ICAR for the progress of the horticulture and agriculture sector to achieve sustainable production and competitiveness. The interface, he said, will be a real platform to chalk out strategies in agriculture sector, especially in plantation crop/spices sector.

Papers presented Scientists and experts from various research institutes in the country presented technical papers in production of planting material for recommended varieties of plantation crops, organic production of plantation crops, good agricultural practices, and integrated pest management in plantation crops etc.

TK Jose, Chairman, Coconut Development Board, welcomed the gathering and Tamil Selvan, Additional Commissioner (Horticulture) proposed a vote of thanks.