New Delhi, February 1, 2021: The much awaited Union Budget 2021 in the backdrop of the pandemic is embedded in the spirit of improving agri resource efficiency, rejuvenating ecosystems and revitalizing farm and rural economy. From health to doubling farmers’ income, a sincere effort has been initiated for sustainable farming and measures like enhancing agriculture credit target to INR 16.5 lakh crore, INR 40,000 crore for Rural Infra Fund and INR 10,000 crore for micro irrigation will not only give a much needed boost to liquidity of farmers but also address critical issues of agriculture sector, Dr KC Ravi of Syngenta India Ltd said on Monday. Syngenta is one of world's leading agriculture business companies with presence across 90 countries. 

Dr Ravi further said, "A further boost to the agriculture sector could have been given through GST reduction on agro chemicals from existing 18% to a rate which is in line with other agriculture inputs and 200% weighted deductions on R&D expenses by agro chemical companies. This is especially important since the agro chemical sector has been identified as the champion sector and efforts are underway to make India a manufacturing hub." 

The integration of 1000 more mandis with e-NAM is another great step as farmers need focal points to display produce to outside buyers, a point where consolidation of produce can occur. "Syngenta has been building and modernizing vegetable mandis in remote corners of India since 2014 to boost economic and social linkages in rural areas through its  Inculcating Cleanliness Learning Education Awareness and new habits (I CLEAN) CSR initiative and supporting government’s Haats to Graams initiative," Dr Ravi added.

Agriculture as the third pillar of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat is a great reality now. Innovative crop solutions, improving resource efficiency, rejuvenating #ecosystems, revitalizing rural communities will ensure sustainable farming. "The emphasis on health and well being of farmers and farm workers means a lot. It will have a positive impact on their productivity," said Dr Ravi.