CropLife India, an association of leading domestic and multinational R&D driven crop science companies; on its 45th AGM organized a national conference where policymakers, academia and industry charted a road map for crop protection’s role in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
The conference was attended by Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union minister of agriculture & farmers welfare, senior government officials, experts, and industry leaders.
The conference opened with the inaugural session, setting the vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. This was followed by a discussion on ‘The Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities in the Indian Context,’ where regulators, policymakers and industry leaders decoded India’s framework.
A panel discussion – ‘Empowering Farmers, Navigating Compliances & Global Standards: A State-wise View of the Agri-input (Crop Protection & Bio-stimulants) Industry & Export,’ highlighted state-level complexities and how policy, compliance and innovation can empower farmers and boost exports and the CEO’s Panel – ‘Pesticides in the Spotlight: Villain, Hero or Scapegoat?,’ featured a candid debate on the future of crop protection.
Chouhan said India has today become self-reliant and an emerging exporter—with agriculture growing by 10% in recent months. “Yet, with our population set to reach 170 crore by 2050, ensuring food and nutritional security is our foremost duty. Nearly half our people depend on farming, most with less than two acres of land and our policies must reflect this reality. To achieve a US$5 trillion economy, we must increase productivity per hectare, embrace new technologies and translate research into solutions for farmers’ real problems. Agriculture is not just an industry—it is a national responsibility. Together, the Government, scientists and industry must ensure prosperity for farmers, sustainability for our land and nourishment for humanity.”
Trilochan Mohapatra, chairperson, PPV&FRA, Ministry of agriculture & farmers’ welfare, said India’s agrochemical sector has been key to our food security and growth—from 65 million tons of food grains to nearly 350 million today. “As the industry grows at 9–11% CAGR, we must balance productivity with sustainability through responsible use, strong regulation, and science-led innovation, ensuring the protection of farmers, consumers and the environment.”
PK Singh, agriculture commissioner, said India’s agri-input ecosystem is rapidly evolving, and digitalization will be key to its future—from AI-enabled regulatory processes to harmonized center–state laws. “Responsible pesticide use and promotion of bio-pesticides are vital; farmers should spray only when necessary. By aligning regulation, innovation and good practices, we can empower farmers, safeguard food security and strengthen India’s global competitiveness.”
The CEO’s panel moderated by Prabhu Chawla focused on India being the world’s 2nd largest exporter and 4th largest manufacturer of crop protection products facing challenges of perception and the image building. Panelists emphasized that pesticides are medicine for plants—safe, responsible and scientific use is essential to prevent crop losses and ensure food security. With farmer training, innovation and clear communication, India can set a global benchmark in sustainable crop protection.
Ankur Aggarwal, chairman, CropLife India said India is today the fourth-largest producer and the second-largest exporter of agrochemicals, with CropLife India members contributing over 70% of the industry’s business and providing 95% of the world’s molecules and chemistry. “Our exports, worth nearly Rs. 40,000 crores, reflect the strength and global relevance of Indian agriculture. Yet, we continue to lose crops worth Rs. 2 lakh crores annually to pests and diseases—even though India’s pesticide use is just 400 grams per hectare compared to the global average of 8,000 grams. This proves that Indian farmers are efficient, not excessive.
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An English-language food and beverage processing and packaging industry B2B platform in print and web, IndiFoodBev is in its third year of publication. It is said that the Indian food and beverage industries represent approximately US$ 900 billion in revenues which implies more than 20% of the country’s GDP. Eliminating the wastage on the farmside can help to deliver more protein to a higher number of the population apart from generating sizable exports. The savings in soil, seeds, water, fertilizer, energy and ultimately food and nutrition could be the most immense contribution that country is poised to make to the moderation of climate change.
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Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
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