Indian Agriculture has been the backbone of the economy for several thousand years and it still remains to be. It contributes a significant figure to the overall economic growth of the country (GDP) and determines the standard of life for more than 60% of our people. For many centuries India is expected to remain an agricultural society. One cannot underplay the role of agricultural growth in improving rural incomes and securing India's food and nutritional needs.
Indian agriculture and grocery market are huge. It is the world's sixth largest, with retail contributing around 65 to 70% of the sales. During 2017-18 crop years, food grain production is expected to touch 277.49 million tonnes. Total area in India, sown with Rabi crops reached 64.29 million hectares in 2018. Exports in agriculture constitute 10% of the country's exports. Agricultural exports from India reached USD 28.09 billion during the April 2017-January 2018 with exports of Basmati.
Obstacles in Indian Agriculture
Despite the overwhelming market size, agricultural sector continues to lag in various sections. One of the major parts is that the yields per hectare of crops in India are generally low compared to international standards. Experts in the field of agriculture points out that proper management of water is the primary reason and if systematic water resource management techniques are followed, the country can improve agricultural output greatly.
One of the primary reasons for fall in agricultural productivity is the lack of advanced farming technology. Poor farming communities in the country lack the understanding of modern agriculture methods to improve productivity. Along with these problems, the majority of the farmers lack proper marketing channels and mediums to sell his/her products reducing their revenues. An inadequate storage facility and improper marketing channels leads wastage and results in poor agricultural exports and maintaining quality in many cases.
Government Initiatives
In recent years much emphasis has been given on commercializing Indian agriculture. Some of the recent strategies planned and schemes launched in the sector are:
- Planning to provide air cargo support to promote agriculture exports from India.
- Allotment of Rs. 2000 crore (USD 306.29 million) for computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) to ensure cooperatives are benefited through digital technology.
- New AGRI-UDAAN programme launched to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture.
- Launched Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) with an investment of Rs. 50,000 crore (USD 7.7 billion)
- Extension of the urea subsidy to the farmers till 2020 estimated at Rs. 45,000 crore (USD 6.95 billion)
Road Ahead
Agriculture is now a sector with great potential of triggering growth. The AgriTech sector is witnessing a number of startups in India. The sustainable intensification of agriculture systems offers synergistic opportunities for combined growth of agriculture and capital investment.
India has set a target of achieving an ambitious target of doubling farm income by 2022. It has also planned to increase the average income of a farmer to Rs. 219,724 (USD 3,420) by 2022-23 from Rs. 96,703 (USD 1,505) in 2015-16.
In consonance with the efforts of Indian Government, Media Today Group is organizing AGRITECH INDIA 2019 - International Exhibition on Agriculture, Farm Machinery & Agri Processing Technologies in Bangalore International Exhibition Center (BIEC), Bangalore, India, from 30th August - 1st September, 2019. The event will pump in more value additions to the existing technology from all over the world.
AGRITECH INDIA 2019 will be an eye opener for the growers, wholesalers, importers, exporters and all other stakeholders of every segment of Agriculture for expanding and diversifying their business activities. It will be an ideal platform for business traders to display and introduce their latest product ranges, mechanization & technological innovations for farmers at one place. It is a unique opportunity to launch your products & services among thousands of farmers & agro entrepreneurs who will visit this Expo.
Why Bangalore?
Karnataka is one of the highest economic growth states in India. Agriculture is the primary occupation of most of Karnataka's rural residents. Agriculture and its allied activities account for 49% of the state's income. A major producer of many agricultural products, it is also home to one of the largest agriculture produce markets in Asia at Amorgol in Hubli.
Enjoying multiple advantages and being the capital of Karnataka, Bangalore is undoubtedly our prime choice for organizing 11th AgriTech India 2019. Moreover, Bangalore is the main distribution hub of Southern India and is also easily accessible from all neighboring states and overseas destinations.
BIEC complements its 40,000 m2 covered space in three aesthetically and functionally designed exhibition halls, with a 5000 m2 open display area, perfectly suitable for showcasing large and heavy machines. VIP Lounge and Business Centre are attached with every hall, in addition to exhibition management facilities. Conference Centre, Food Court and other support services for exhibitor and visitor comforts are all within the same complex making BIEC a unique exhibition centre in India.
The aim of organizing 11th AgriTech India 2019, concurrently with 10th edition of GrainTech India 2019, 9th DairyTech India 2019, 8th Poultry & Livestock Expo 2019 and 4th India Crop Care & Fertilizer show (ICCF 2019) is to facilitate the diversification of Indian agriculture.
