The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Horticulture: private sector asked to step in

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 16, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Horticulture: private sector asked to step in

Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: The need for the private sector to tap the opportunities available in the agriculture and horticulture sectors was highlighted by the Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Netherlands Biotechnology Programme, M.V. Rao.

At a seminar on "Roadmap for agriculture in Andhra Pradesh" organised by the Federation of the Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) here on Tuesday, he addressed a session on "Opportunities in agriculture in AP".

He asked the private sector to contribute in research and development like in the West where substantial amounts were contributed to research institutions.

While there were opportunities, implementation was the problem, he said, saying since the Government alone could not do it, all stakeholders needed to be roped in.

Roundtable mooted

Because the onus was on the private sector, he said a roundtable was needed to discuss the issues.

Earlier, at the inaugural, Joint Secretary (Agricultural marketing, Union Ministry of Agriculture), P.K. Agarwal said the Government had prepared a scheme for development and strengthening agricultural marketing infrastructure, grading and standardisation.

Inducing private and cooperative sector investments would provide alternative agricultural marketing infrastructure.

It was also aimed at enhancing efficiency and promoting direct marketing, he said.

The Principal Secretary, Cooperation and Marketing, AP, G. Sudhir, said a new Model Act was being prepared.

This envisaged establishment of private markets, special markets, contract farming and alternative marketing models as objectives.

The FAPCCI president, O.P. Goenka, attributed India's low productivity levels to lack of technological skills, irrigation and infrastructure, low capital availability and insufficient markets.

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