The US-India Business Council (USIBC) has concluded a Food and Agriculture Executive Mission to India with a focus on ways to increase farmer income and productivity through mechanization and modernization techniques as well as ways that industry in both the US and India can work with the central Indian and state governments to achieve mutually beneficially solutions in the food and agriculture sector.
In meetings with US and Indian Government officials, USIBC members discussed ways to partner with the Indian government to advance Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent call to double farmer income by 2022.
Discussions centered on finding efficiencies in water use, improving soil health, introducing new crops to foster productivity across planning seasons, best practices, and mechanization solutions for small hold farmers
"We had some very productive and open discussions during the mission" said Chief Operating Officer of Tractors and Farm Equipment (TAFE), T.R. Kesavan.
"We were particularly encouraged by the government's desire to examine the ease of doing agribusiness in India, both at the central and state level. If we can create a sustained conversation about how to make farming and agribusiness easier for everyone, we can make real progress towards the Prime Minister's goal of doubling farmer income in six years," added Kesavan.
During the mission, USIBC members were able to connect with government and reinforce industry's position as a collaborator with shared interests in advancing India's agriculture economy and improving farmer productivity and income over the long term.
The delegates held meetings with NITI Aayog and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, as well as with officials at the Secretary and Joint Secretary level from the Ministries of Agriculture; External Affairs; Commerce; and Science and Technology as well as with officials from the U.S. Embassy.
Following the mission, USIBC will continue to dialogue with the Government of India on securing a strong future for India's farmers. The Committee has several follow up items to present to the Government of India, including preparing a document on the ease of doing agri-business in India at the request of NITI Aayog.