Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya At FAI 55th Annual Seminar 2019

Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya At FAI 55th Annual Seminar 2019

New Delhi: Addressing 1500 delegates from 45 countries at The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) 55th Annual Seminar today, Hon’ble Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt of India, Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya spoke about different avenues that will be explored to ensure that government’s effort to reach out to the farmers and the agriculture sector. Launching the Fertiliser Statistics and Specialty Fertilizers & Micronutrient Statistics, containing updated ‘Zinc Statistics’, the minister said, “Farmers and agriculture sector is the backbone of any country. Over the years, India has seen substantial growth in the sector. Fertilizer industry continues to contribute to increase in agricultural productivity and farmers’ income and the government will continue to support efforts. It is heartening to note that there has been serious discussion on possible reforms within the sector, both inside and outside the government.”
 
Emphasising on the importance of sustainable growth of the sector, he also added, “Environment friendly alternate fertilizer usage is the need of the hour. We assure subsidy on alternate fertilizers, micronutrient including zinc and urge the fertilizer companies and industry association to adopt both chemical and organic fertilizers to boost the agricultural output.”
 
The ministerial address was followed by series of awards including the International Zinc Association (IZA)–FAI award on promoting the use of Zinc in Agriculture to Dr. Vijay Pooniya, Division of Agronomy, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. Other award winners include Dr. Debarup Das, Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, ICAR-IARI, Pusa Campus, New Delhi (FAI Golden Jublie Award for Outstanding Doctoral Research in Fertilizer Usage); Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd. (Best Technical Innovation Award); Rashtriya Chemical & Fertilizer Ltd. and National Fertilizer Ltd, Vijaipur (Award for Excellence in Safety) amongst others.
 
Commenting on the award, Dr. Soumitra Das, Director, South Asia - Zinc Nutrient Initiative, International Zinc Association said, “Zinc has emerged as the most widespread micronutrient deficiency in soils and crops worldwide, resulting in severe yield losses and deterioration in nutritional quality. We have seen a remarkable increase of about 200% growth in consumption of zinc in fertilizers in India in the last 7-8 years, owing to joint efforts by IZA, FAI, academia and the government. With changes in policy measures and increased awareness, we can make headwinds in popularizing micronutrients in balanced fertilizer use across sectors.”
 
FAI Annual Seminar is an important international event that provides a unique opportunity to bring knowledge, information and opinions to a single platform. Delegates from India and abroad interact with the leaders of the fertilizer industry, decision makers in the Government and other stakeholders. It also provides forum for all those associated with fertilizer and agriculture sectors to enhance their professional capabilities and further their business interests The FAI annual seminar's theme this year is ‘New Approach to Fertilizer Sector’. The event will explore the possibilities of bringing major changes in the policies related to fertilizer subsidy, controls on the industry and quality regulations.

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