Godrej host Agri- Conclave – “Shaping the Future of Indian Agriculture” to highlight the role of corporates and civil society in doubling farmer income

Mumbai, 11 December 2018: Godrej Group, a diversified conglomerate, today, hosted an agri-conclave focusing on ‘Shaping the Future of Indian Agriculture’. In the run-up to Kisan Diwas, the aim of the conclave was to focus on the role of allied stakeholders, such as corporates, civil society, and academia, in doubling of farmer income.

Thought leaders from Corporates, Non-Profit Organisations, Academia and Media came together to discuss agri-interventions that will empower farmers to significantly improve household income and also explore how the sector can be made more attractive for women and youth. In addition, they also discussed the role of millets and protein sources from both a nutrition and livelihood standpoint.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Nadir Godrej, Chairman, Godrej Agrovet Limited and Managing Director, Godrej Industries Limited said, “With the government laying special emphasis on the agriculture sector with the vision of doubling farmer’s income by 2022, we are positive about the growth and foresee a lot of potential for farmers. The coming together of like-minded professionals and academia will create much needed awareness on the areas of importance in agriculture”.

Women farmers, Kalavathi V, Rathnamma M, Maya Bai and Neelam Sahu shared their experiences and stories from the farm. The conclave witnessed participation from industry stalwart such as Dr Avinash Kishore, Research Fellow, IFPRI, Dilip N Kulkarni, President, Sustainable Agriculture & Strategy, Jain Irrigation Systems Limited, Raghunathan N, Co-Founder of Vrutti; Jinesh Shah, Founding Partner, Omnivore; Arun Ambatipudi, Founding Trustee & Advisor, Chetna Organic; Dr. Yasmeen Ali Haque, UNICEF Head India; Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, Kurush Dalal; Culinary Anthropologist, and Balakrishnan S, COO, Vrutti.

Adding further, Mr Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet said, “The agriculture sector offers tremendous opportunities and we at Godrej aim to be at the forefront of these developments. With our focus on research and technology, we strive to offer innovative solutions to enhance the productivity of the sector”.

Vikas Goswami, Head - Sustainability, Godrej Industries Ltd. said, “Women farmers are the backbone of Indian Agriculture. To create a vibrant rural economy it is important that in partnership with women farmers we revive sustainable agricultural practices. The revival of millets along with sustainable agricultural practices will also positively impact long-term soil health and productivity. With this conclave, we aim to not only acknowledge but also bring in the forefront, the important role women play in agriculture landscape.”

Godrej is a prominent player in agriculture and is dedicated to improving the productivity of Indian farmers by innovating products and services.