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Pawar's concern over suicides by farmers

WASHINGTON: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Wednesday expressed concern over suicides by farmers. Mr. Pawar is on a visit to the United States.

He referred to the distress in the country's agriculture sector as one of the challenges to be addressed. Mr. Pawar visited the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) here. Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen and other government officials accompanied him.

Director-General of IFPRI Joachim von Braun pointed to his institute's long-standing interest in the agricultural and poverty issues of India, during a presentation.

He focussed on issues of mutual concern such as high-value agriculture, biotechnology, social safety nets and trade reforms.

Bio-fuels

Mr. Pawar said another challenge for Indian farmers is the development of responses to opportunities presented by bio-fuels.

According to a press note issued by IFPRI, the organisation would address these issues in collaboration with the Indian research community.

IFPRI expanding

Founded in 1975 the IFPRI is expanding its New Delhi-based Asia office and has always had representatives on its Board of Trustees.

Some 40 agricultural policy experts from India are part of this South Asia Initiative covering five countries in the region. — PTI

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