Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Family Welfare, today launched the Project Management Unit (PMU) on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Agriculture in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, Tomar emphasized the importance of strengthening the agriculture sector because it will help strengthen other sectors.
He went on to say that the PPP model could be the ideal model for agricultural growth, and that PPP projects should focus on benefiting farmers by increasing their income. According to Tomar, the empowerment of the agriculture sector is critical for the country and society. "If the government continues to do all of the work, this is not an ideal situation; only with public participation can better things be done." "With everyone's help, the government can deliver better results in any sector," he said.
Tomar stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has simplified the system over the last eight years by repealing over 1,500 redundant laws, making life easier for the common man. "On the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, and inspired by Prime Minister Modi's ideals, we should consider what else organizations like the FICCI can do for the country." If one's thinking and attitude change, then change will occur. Everyone's goal is correct, but such ideas must be implemented. "PPP is the ideal model because it benefits everyone, there is progress in the concerned sector, and the country as a whole develops," he said.
Tomar stated that the Trade and Industry sector is strong and well-organized and that they have all the resources necessary to promote the Agriculture sector. The government, for its part, is taking ongoing steps to strengthen the agriculture sector through various schemes such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund worth Rs. One Lakh Crore, the establishment of 10,000 Farmers Producer Organizations (FPO), and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima scheme. The government is working tirelessly to establish farmer organizations, empower them, provide new techniques, promote profitable crops, and raise produce quality to global standards. "Government initiatives have encouraged farmers, and the results are now visible. "I am pleased that Prime Minister Modi's commitment to double farmers' incomes has reached out to them, and organizations like the FICCI are working hard to achieve this goal," he said.
Tomar expressed his hope that everyone will work together to grow the agriculture sector and make it more beneficial to farmers. "If agriculture is strong, the country can withstand even the most adversity," he said. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (A&FW) Manoj Ahuja stated that the government should act as a catalyst in facilitating agricultural investment. The private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should collaborate with the government on agriculture projects that will have a multiplier effect.
Shubrakant Panda, Senior Vice President, FICCI, expressed confidence that the PMU initiative for PPP in Agriculture, which was launched today, will accelerate large-scale PPP projects in agriculture by leveraging private sector investments and bringing government schemes and subsidies closer together. Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Secretary (A&FW), and other senior DA&FW and FICCI officers were in attendance. State and industry representatives participated online.
Agriculture investments and increasing agricultural gross capital formation are critical to modernizing the agriculture sector. Combining public investments in agriculture, such as various Central Government and State Government initiatives, with private sector investment can be a force multiplier in the agriculture sector. The government is eager to incentivize PPP initiatives in agriculture in order to boost yields, reduce losses, and increase farmer income. PPP initiatives will attract private capital to agriculture, leverage public investment, and unite the Central and State Governments, the private sector, and farmers around a shared vision of dynamic and value-added growth in the sector. PPP initiatives will also result in the consolidation of various schemes that will benefit farmers and improve their impact.
The primary goal of this PPP initiative is to increase the income of small farmers by adding value, ranging from the provision of quality inputs to technology extension, market linkages, and value addition. PPP initiatives are also expected to result in the modernization of agricultural practices, promotion of climate resilient crop research, development of agriculture and rural infrastructure, and increased agricultural exports.
A specific goal is to assist states in realizing the full potential of their respective agro-climatic regions and wide range of agri-products, as well as to assist producers in better integrating with domestic and export markets. In light of this, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and FICCI have announced a joint initiative to develop agriculture PPP initiatives.
