Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari said one of the biggest challenges in pursuit of a ‘Viksit Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is the low contribution to GDP by agriculture and allied sectors. Speaking at the national dairy conference organized by Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (Mafsu) here on Saturday, Gadkari said, “India’s 65% of the population lives in villages and their contribution to the GDP is only 12-14%.This disparity is a major challenge that needs to be addressed to achieve the goal of a developed and self-reliant India.”
Gadkari emphasized the need to increase agricultural production to reduce farmer suicides, particularly in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Farmer suicides have been a persistent problem in this region. “To stop farmer suicides agriculture production has to be increased,” Gadkari said.
The minister stressed the importance of reducing input costs for farmers, particularly in the dairy sector. “We need officials and other stakeholders to find ways to reduce the cost of fodder by at least Rs3 per kg. With the use of technology and other innovative methods, we can achieve this. This would help reduce the input cost for milk production and increase profitability for farmers,” Gadkari said.
PPP MODEL SUITS BOTH
ROADS & COW FARMS
While proposing the concept of cow farms, Gadkari suggested using the PPP model. “With the PPP model, I’m able to undertake large-scale projects in the country today. Major highways, roads, and tunnels are being built. By using a bit of creativity and innovation, and utilizing existing infrastructure, the cow farm project can be more successful,” Gadkari said.
He highlighted the need for high-yielding cows to increase milk production. “Vidarbha needs 10,000 cows that produce 20 litres of milk per day. Basically, we need a 360-degree view of solutions to increase productivity and reduce input costs for farmers,” Gadkari said.
In addition to the dairy sector, Gadkari also spoke about the challenges faced by other agricultural sectors, such as groundnut and soyabean growers. He pointed out that the import of cheap palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia is affecting the profitability of these sectors.
“Palm oil is being refined and added to other cooking oils, making it difficult for Indian farmers to compete. The oil tin or can may have a photo of groundnut, but in fine print it will be written that the product contains 40% palm oil,” said Gadkari. He told the audience that he has discussed the issue many times with PM Narendra Modi. “The PM and I have had many discussions on how the solvent extraction plants are being utilized only at 35% capacity in India,” said Gadkari, hinting that business houses are importing palm oil in huge quantities because it’s cheaper.
The Union Minister stressed the need to utilize every single farm output and move it up in the value chain. “Cow dung is one such example. A paint company in Chennai uses cow dung as raw material. I have got that paint on my office walls. Scientists have to keep on working to find such economically viable solutions for natural products,” Gadkari said, adding that big companies must rely on internal R&D capabilities and not look at technological support from govt. He said some people have experienced that relying completely on the govt for development of one’s business is like touching a ‘Vish Kanya’. Gadkari said people believe that “Be it govt of BJP or Congress, if you touch it, you will die.”
USE OF FOODGRAINS
AS BIO-FUEL NEEDED
Gadkari said there has always been a debate about using food for fuel, something which he has always promoted. “After I became a minister, I saw a lot of opposition to this. Even officials are a bit reserved on this because their approach is urban-centric. People living in metro cities want cheaper tomatoes, but nobody is working on controlling prices of insecticides which adds to input cost of farmers,” said Gadkari while touching upon the massive fuel import bill. “We import so much fossil fuel. In my lifetime I want to see that come down to zero. Using ethanol and other innovative methods will help lower the costs and save us money,” said Gadkari.
Present at the dairy conference were MAFSU VC Dr Nitin Patil, National Dairy Development Board Chairman Dr Minesh Shah, Indian Council of Agricultural Research Deputy Director General (Animal Science) Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, and Indian Dairy Association President RS Sodhi, among others.
