Rajasthan woos Karnataka’s industrialists, farmers for agri-tech meet

Bengaluru: Seeking technology and investments in farm sector, Rajasthan on Monday invited industrialists and farmers from Karnataka to participate in the Global Rajasthan Agri-tech Meet (GRAM 2016) being held in Jaipur November 9-11.

“The objective of the event is to ensure the economic empowerment of the farmers through accelerated growth in agriculture to double their income by 2022,” said Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Prabju Lal Saini at a GRAM road show here.

Highlighting the state’s new regulations, grants and policies in agriculture and allied sectors, he said that farmers would be taught new techniques at the three-day trade fair to help them earn more yields and novel methods of drip irrigation to overcome drought conditions.

“We are showcasing investment opportunities in agri-products like pressure irrigation, solar pumps, custom hiring of farm machinery & implements, farm mechanisation and agro-processing,” Saini said.

The state will also display its strengths in the farm sector, including agro-technologies and equipment, B2B and B2G meetings with national and overseas partners.

Australia, Canada, Israel and the Netherlands are among the overseas countries confirmed participating in the summit expo and conferences on knowledge-sharing and best practices.

“A networking session will bring all stakeholders, including the agri-industry, academia, policy makers and officials on a common platform to deliberate on the value chain in the agricultural ecosystem,” noted Saini.

With 10 agro-climatic zones across the desert state, the Rajasthan government has initiated policy changes in agriculture for technological and infrastructural interventions to boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and promote farm-based industries.

The event, organised in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, will offer a platform for agri-companies and service providers to showcase their products and best practices in farming and allied activities to about 50,000 farmers expected to attend it.

IANS