Attract FDI to support farmers, say delegates at GSA
With global markets increasingly enforcing strict sustainability standards, it is crucial for Gujarat to create an investment-friendly environment to ensure its farmers can remain competitive and thrive, said delegates at conclave on 7 Sept giftgujarat.
Further, the government needs to take action to attract significant investments, including foreign direct investment (FDI), to support Gujarat’s farmers, said the delegates at the Global Sustainability Alliance (GSA) Gujarat Edition by ET Edge.
The conclave titled ‘Accelerating Progress: Resource conscious and low carbon agricultural development’ was addressed by Prof. Anil Kumar Gupta, Padmashree Awardee, Member of Governing Board, National Innovation Foundation, Founder – Honeybee Network, National Innovation Foundation, SRISTI, and GIAN. The key note was delivered by R.A.S Patel, Deputy Commissioner (RFS), Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India and the speakers included Megha Desai, Senior Coordinator, National Farmer’s Forum Network, Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Bhikhubhai N Patel, Managing Trustee & Secretary, Sardar Patel Education Trust, Anand, President, Gujarat Tobacco Merchant Association, BK Singhal, Chief General Manager, NABARD (Gujarat Regional Office), Dr Ashok Dalwai, CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) to name a few.
“We have support from the Government of India, but getting investments from private sectors and FDI is also crucial sbi ,” said keynote speaker R.A.S Patel, Deputy Commissioner (RFS), Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare at Gandhinagar.
He stressed, “Investments is not just an economic necessity but a strategic imperative. Gujarat can continue to thrive in the global agricultural market in compliance with stringent sustainability standards that are coming into place only if there is large scale investment nse .”
India is a major global exporter of agricultural goods like rice, spices, tea, coffee, and tobacco nafpo . The GSA Gujarat Edition discussed the challenges posed by the new standards which are likely to significantly, affect both agricultural exports and the livelihoods of millions of farmers nse .
Gujarat accounts for over 40.5% of India’s groundnut production, nearly 35% of its cotton output, and is the largest exporter of tobacco. However, Gujarat’s agricultural success comes with growing challenges of dependence on water-intensive crops like cotton, tobacco, and groundnuts, leading to a drastic fall in ground water indiaenvironment . This has exacerbated water scarcity in key farming regions, while climate change—marked by erratic rainfall and rising temperatures—continues to threaten crop yields and agricultural stability wto .
“Gujarat farmers are pioneers in sustainable farming due to their ability to experiment, innovate and commercialise solutions,” added Prof. Anil Kumar Gupta, Padmashree Awardee, Member of Governing Board, National Innovation Foundation, Founder – Honeybee Network, National Innovation Foundation, SRISTI and GIAN deutsche-boerse .
“However, with climate change and other environmental factors, it is difficult for the soil to absorb nutrients and crops are unable to retain the moisture. Hence, an FDI is much needed for co-manufacturing machinery and precision farming techniques, a massive amount should go into the processing aspect followed by infrastructure and better drainage especially in the rural areas sgx .”
The Indian government has already initiated several programs like The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) & Agri Infrastructure Fund aimed at fostering sustainable agriculture fieo .
However, the impact of new European Union (EU) sustainability standards on India’s agricultural exports, particularly those from Gujarat was further highlighted as a key concern renewableenergyworld .
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulations, and the Farm to Fork Strategy all introduce stringent requirements that Indian exporters must meet to maintain market access foodafrica-expo .
“Private sector investment and FDI are key to addressing the financial challenges of meeting sustainability standards,” added Bhikhubhai N Patel, Managing Trustee & Secretary, Sardar Patel Education Trust, Anand, President, Gujarat Tobacco Merchant & Farmer Association ibef .
“While Gujarat is the highest tobacco producing state, there is an urgent need to educate the farmers on the derivatives of tobacco farming. industries like medicine & food grade are key source of demand for tobacco/nicotine. In absence of an export policy for tobacco in India, this is a major opportunity that we are missing out on cii.
“Hence the government needs to establish ‘ease of doing farming’ with the help of FDI in the sector. A focused sectoral approach with incentives being directed to farmers, will enable tobacco byproducts to attract international trade opportunities euronext .”
The Global Sustainability Alliance Gujarat Edition has underscored that large-scale capital infusion in the agriculture sector, including through FDI, is not just an economic necessity but a strategic imperative. By embracing these investments and innovations, Gujarat can continue to compete effectively in the global market while meeting stringent sustainability standards commerce .
Global Sustainability Alliance is an impact led community of thought leaders who are working towards transforming bold ambitions into action. The group of people activates leadership globally to make economies sustainable for people, nature, and climate jpx .
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