WEF partners with GoAP to make agriculture profitable

Hyderabad, Jan 22 (INN): Recognizing Andhra Pradesh's efforts in achieving profitable and resilient agriculture, sustainable food, economic and environmental security, World Economic Forum will partner with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to implement an agenda to make agriculture profitable and commercially viable.

It has come forward to establish a Secretariat in Andhra Pradesh. Together, WEF and AP will work towards bringing in best practices from across the world, improve the value chain, increase the incomes of farmers and add value to allied activities

WEF has already created sub groups to study and implement best agricultural practices in South America, Africa, Asia and Pacific regions. The studies from these groups will be implemented in Andhra Pradesh to enhance productivity, protection and profitability in agriculture in Andhra Pradesh.

During a session on 'The New Vision for Agriculture: Advancing the Action Agenda', Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu explained the state government's vision to create a knowledgeable, technology-abled farmers' community in the state.

He explained that the government has launched Primary Sector Mission aiming towards inclusive agriculture that can assure a green, thriving and food secure AP. The mission focuses on making agriculture sustainable and profitable through ecologically sensible practices, he said.

Elaborating on the irrigation initiatives, he explained to the delegates how he has made the impossible possible by linking Godavari and Krishna rivers. 'Drought-proofing the state is my aim and in my efforts to irrigate lakhs of hectares of farmlands, I have taken up the gargantuan task of river-linking of the mighty Godavari and Krishna rivers. With perseverance and hard work of our officials on the field, we have made this rare feat possible,' he said. In efforts towards recharging the ground water levels, he said, Andhra Pradesh has taken the lead in digging farm ponds and disbursement of the Soil Health Cards to farmers.

He said that the government has assessed the impact of water management on agriculture and allied activities in the state. In addition, we are also earmarking clusters/hubs for crops identified as growth engines, he added.

The Chief Minister said that the government has taken a brave step with the debt redemption for farmers despite starting off with a revenue deficit. To protect farmers' interests, our government has constituted the Farmers' Empowerment Corporation to ensure welfare of all farmers in the state, he said.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn who was also a participant in the session appreciated the Chief Minister's vision to empower farmers and making farming sustainable and profitable. The Chief Minister has also praised Ethiopian PM's initiative of creating Agriculture Promotion Council that has boosted agricultural productivity in Ethiopia.

Delegates in the session were all praise for the Chief Minister and his vision towards making agriculture a profitable and sustainable vocation.

Inger Anderson, Director General, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Kofi Annan, Chairman, Kofi Annan Foundation, Mike Barry, Director, Sustainable Business, Marks & Spencer, David Cheesewright, President, CEO, Walmart, FlemmingBesenbacher, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Carlsberg A/S, Paul Bulcke, CEO Nestle, Winnie Byanmyima, CEO, Oxfam International were among the participants.