The 63rd AGM of crop care Federation of India was held in New Delhi on 30th of September with all members and several dignitaries gracing the occasion.
The meeting was graced by Shri Ram Nath Thakur, minister of state, agriculture and farmers welfare as chief guest and Mr. Prakash Javadekar former union minster as guest of honor. They praised the effort by CCFI in increasing productivity and reducing crop losses.
The dignitaries included Dr PK Singh, Agriculture commissioner, Mr. Deepakar Aron, Joint secretary Ministry of chemicals who explained the various schemes introduced by the govt for the welfare of farming community.
CCFI is the oldest association of leading 50 Indian companies who have their own manufacturing R&D marketing & distribution on PAN India basis and are responsible for 80% of exports now touching ₹45000cr.
Chairman Deepak Shah, while welcoming the guests, was emphatic to promote Make in India initiative of government of India, so that industry becomes self-sufficient in terms of production and become be a major hub for exports.
The debate on data protection /exclusivity needs to be viewed in the context of the timing of new molecule introductions in India. ″The products are often introduced in India years later than launch in other global countries This leaves Indian companies with very limited time to enter the market with generic versions after patent expiry.″ Mr. shah said.
Indian manufacturers have the capability and capacity to produce top quality crop protection products exported to 167 countries matching global specifications at much lower cost.
″If data protection is provided and when company introduced the molecules late, farmers lose out on the cost benefit that comes from competitive domestic manufacturing. It would hamper exports so very critical for Indian economy ″Shah concluded.
Rajesh Aggarwal, Vice Chairman, CCFI said it is myth that only foreign corporates are spending on research. Indian companies are largely investing in research and development almost 3-4% of their turnover which is responsible for innovation and launching of new products.
He was of the view when companies invent new molecules, they generate data for the whole world and then depriving the Indian farmers is a deliberate move!
We are capable to supply effective crop protection products without an additional period of exclusivity.
The event also marked launching of CCFI annual Dossier listing the activities during the year, besides write up on issues of importance on agriculture and Agro Chemicals.
″We would like to share that with our farmers training programs, to create awareness on judicious use of agrochemicals, there have been no reports of inhalation cases whole spraying recommended pesticides″ concluded Mr. Harish Mehta, senior advisor CCFI.