Monsanto to take part in CII's agro tech meet

Around 11 companies from the biotech sector like Monsanto India Ltd, Northern Minerals Ltd and Shriram Bioseeds Genetics Private Ltd are participating in the Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII's) biennial fair, "Agro Tech 2006." The fair will be held in Chandigarh from December 1 to 4.

The mega fair will be inaugurated by Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

Also, this time, the fair will showcase trading of agri products so as to familiarise farmers with the latest developments in physical, electronic and knowledge connectivity.

As the Netherlands is the partner country for AgroTech 2006, farmers are expected to learn of Dutch cropping systems, floriculture, dairy, poultry, fishery, quality systems, logistics and chain management, cost reduction systems.

Around 11 countries will participate in the fair besides nine universities and research centres.

Officials are expecting about 100,000 farmers would visit the fair. Agro Tech 2006 Chairman Ajay S Shriram said, "The theme of Agro Tech 2006 has been identified as Technology in Agriculture : Growing Farmer Wealth."

Shriram said: "Advanced technologies in India and abroad are being showcased in the seven concurrent shows in Agro Tech and will provide great opportunities for conducting business and establishing joint ventures and partnerships with the best names in the industry, worldwide. At the same time, Agri theatres and kisan ghostis would be conducted for the farmers."

"The counttry's biotechnology industry was slow to start but is now gaining momentum. Although the current share in the global market is just 1.1 per cent it can become a prominent player. To provide the market a fillip and the adequate attention that it deserves, Biotech 2006 exposition is being held for the first time," he added.