Sharad Pawar asks corporates to tap the vast opportunities in the agriculture sector

NEW DELHI: Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today asked corporates to tap the vast opportunities available in the agriculture sector, especially in research.

He was addressing the industry representatives and scientists after inaugurating the ICAR--Industry Meet, 2011.

The minister asked industrialists to have closer interaction with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research ( ICAR) and develop demand-driven technologies for benefit of small farmers and other marginalised social groups.

"Though ICAR's efforts towards technology commercialisation and use of technology for benefit of the poor have given encouraging results, ICAR and industry need to identify priorities and evolve mutually agreed R&D strategies," Pawar said.

The Meet was organised by ICAR in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industries ( CII).

More than 160 industry representatives and entrepreneurs participated in the day-long meet.

Talking of the potential of agri-business in creating employment, Pawar said that a new cadre of agri-entrepreneurs needs to be created.

"In addition, agri-businesses have the potential to create employment by means of value addition to primary agriculture", the minister said.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, Harish Rawat, emphasised on the need for public- private partnership models to strengthen rural infrastructure to support faster agricultural development.