Speech in the National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign on 18.3.2010 at New Delhi

Shri Sharad Pawar ji, Hon'ble Union Minister for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri P. K. Basu, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Shri Rudra Gangadharan, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, Department of Agriculture Research & Education, Vice Chancellors of State Agriculture Universities, Principal Secretaries, Agriculture Secretaries of States, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen.

I am pleased to be here today. I hope the discussions help us improve Kharif productivity this year. In 2009-10 the country passed through a very difficult phase due to deficient and erratic rainfall which affected adversely the production of Kharif crops particularly rice, coarse cereals and sugarcane. Government of India initiated number of steps with a view to help the concerned State Governments to mitigate the impact of drought. These steps included introduction of diesel subsidy scheme, additional allocation of power from Central pool, appropriate agricultural advisories allowing use of Truthfully Labelled (TL) seeds, distribution of minikits under Government programmes, subsidy to use certified seeds to enable the States to take up alternative crop plan in unsown/germination failed areas. An Empowered Group of Ministers was also set up to review the conditions and take appropriate measures to counter the effect of drought. These measures, along with timely and effective action taken by the State Governments and the determination, hard work and resilience shown by the farmers, helped in considerably mitigating the effects of the drought. We all hope and pray that the monsoons will be favourable this year for a bumper kharif. However, we also need to be fully prepared for any eventuality to protect the interests of our farmers. The State Governments need to gear up the administrative machinery and prepare Agriculture Action Plan as well as alternative Contingency Plan well in advance to ensure availability of agriculture inputs.

The population of India, which is around 1.15 billion at present, is expected to grow to 1.3 billion by the year 2025. The demand for food is growing rapidly due to increasing population and rising income levels and we need to produce about 320 million tonnes of food grains by 2025. With a growing population, the country has to add another 40 million tonnes just to retain the present level of per capita consumption of food. This puts more pressure on our existing resources.

This challenge would require combination of seed-fertilizer-irrigation-technologies. Good quality seed with value addition to increase yields and mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses is the key input for realizing potential of productivity. Efficiency of fertilizer use is becoming increasingly important. Soil test based judicious application of fertilizers would help improvement in productivity, lower input costs, environmental health and efficient utilization of subsidy. The State Governments should accelerate setting up of soil testing laboratories and issue of soil health cards to farmers. The Government has introduced Nutrient Based Subsidy policy from 1st April, 2010. The Central Government will make available fertilizers in required quantities. The state Governments have to ensure efficient utilization of fertilizers. Malpractices must be curbed for better effectiveness.

If quality seeds, fertilizer and credit are arranged by the States well in time, I am confident that the farmers will certainly respond with significant increase in production.

The target of accelerating agriculture growth by 4% per annum in the Eleventh Plan has to be met. The Government has initiated number of steps to promote agriculture. An Accelerated Pulses Production Programme has been recently launched under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) to enhance the production of pulses. The Budget 2010-11 has provided for enhanced allocations for the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in order to launch a Special Initiative for Pulses and Oilseeds in Dryland Areas and bridging the yield gap in Eastern India. It gives me great satisfaction that the two new initiatives launched in 2007-08 i.e. the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and the National Food Security Mission have paid rich dividends in terms of their intended benefits. The States who are ineligible for allocation of funds under the RKVY Scheme are requested to enhance their Plan outlays on agriculture and allied sectors to access funds under the Scheme. The States are also urged to finalize their District and State Agriculture Plans on top priority. The States must also take adequate steps to evaluate the impact of these schemes.

I have observed that there are wide differences in the yield level of various crops among different States. These need to be bridged by judicious use of modern technologies. We are equally concerned about the stagnation in agricultural production in some of the States. The States are therefore urged to make additional efforts during Kharif, 2010 to recover the losses of last year. Rice is the major Kharif crop accounting for major part of the total food grains production in the country. Timely sowing of rice should be ensured. Early trends indicate that the production scenario will be better during the Rabi season.

Food Security of the nation is a matter of prime importance. The Government is concerned about high inflation in recent times which specially affects the vulnerable sections of society. This rise in prices is partly attributed to increase in demand on account of rising incomes, increase in population, increase in MSP, low productivity, etc. The Government has taken a number of fiscal, administrative and monetary steps to counter inflation. There has been some easing of the situation lately. I must emphasize that increased production and productivity of all crops has to be a priority for the agriculture sector. It is also incumbent to ensure that agriculture remains a remunerative activity for the farmers of the country.

I hope the States will utilize this opportunity to discuss and deliberate on the problems and issues they have faced and measures required to increase production and productivity in the ensuing Kharif season to usher in an era of greater prosperity for the farmers of our country. This forum will also provide an excellent opportunity to the States to apprise each other of the best practices evolved by them for enhancing agriculture production .

I wish this Conference all success.

Inaugural Speech on Celebrations of World Consumer Rights Day on 14.3.2010 at New Delhi

Justice Ashok Bhan, President, NCDRC, Justice R. V. Raveendran, Justice R. C. Jain, Shri Rajiv Agarwal, Shri S. K. Naik, Shri J. B. Mudgil, Members of the NCDRC, other dignitaries, ladies & gentlemen.

It is my pleasure to be here amongst all of you on the eve of the World Consumer Rights Day which falls on 15th March every year.

The consumer protection programmes and the consumer movement in India got real boost after the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, `986. It is a unique legislation, which provides for the establishment of consumer safety institutions at district, state and national levels. Our legislation is looked upon as a model legislation in many countries. It has the approval from the highest court of justice of our country and has been a source of strength in the idea of justice.

The provisions of Consumer Protection Act work like a catalyst to force the providers of goods and services to set their own houses in order and to redress consumer grievances by themselves. As a result, the consumers have the benefit of redressing their grievances without recourse to lengthy court proceedings. It is therefore, an imperative that the Consumer Fora function effectively. They must retain their character of being citizen-friendly and result oriented. I am happy that the overall performance of the Consumer Fora so far is satisfactory.

Over 33 lakh cases have been filed so far. Out of these, almost 89% stand disposed. However, in spite of the satisfactory performance of Consumer Fora, a grievance which is commonly expressed is inordinate delay in the disposal of cases. Swift disposal remains a priority for action.

The Consumer Protection Act has been amended thrice so far i.e. in the years 1991, 1993 and 2002. We are in the process of bringing about further amendments to the Act. The amendments proposed would widen the scope of the Act, facilitate quicker disposal of cases, rationalize the qualifications and procedure of selection of the Presidents / Members of the Consumer Fora at the State level & Members at the National level. We hope to finalize the draft and introduce the Bill at the earliest.

I am happy to note that as a result of the amendments made in the Act and Rules and increase in the number of Members, the National Commission has been able to hold sitting in more number of Benches. The National Commission has also held sittings of its Circuit Benches at Hyderabad in January, 2005, in Bangalore in January, 2006, in Chennai in January, 2007, in Pune in January-February, 2008, in Cochin in March-April, 2009 and recently in Kolkata in January-February, 2010. More importantly, to ensure that the Consumer Fora function uninterruptedly, we have already amended the law to enable the Senior Most Member to act as the President, in the absence of the President.

I hope this provision is being invoked whenever the need arises. We have also advised the States to maintain a panel of members to fill up anticipated vacancies. Further, we have advised the States that where necessary, another Forum should be allowed to look after the work of a neighboring Forum till regular arrangements are made. I hope, the states are resorting to these alternative arrangements wherever required.

I may add that the needs of the National Commission are always on the priority agenda of the Government. The National Commission is expected to function from new premises in the near future. The building for the National Commission, being built at a cost of Rs.19.90 crores at INA Complex, New Delhi, is nearing completion and is expected to be completed during 2010-11. In so far as the State Commissions and District Fora are concerned, we have been taking up the matter with the State Governments from time to time for providing all the necessary infrastructure and manpower to the Fora so that the objectives of the Act are fulfilled. I would be happy to address specific inadequacies if brought to my notice in consultation with state government concerned.

I am also happy to inform you that through our persistent efforts, the Planning Commission and Ministry of Finance have provided adequate budgetary allocation for implementing important schemes for the Consumer Fora. A scheme for computerization and computer networking of Consumer Fora in the Country, (CONFONET), launched during the 10th Plan period in March, 2005 at a cost of Rs.48.64 crores, is being implemented by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) on a turnkey basis. So far, the NIC has supplied computer hardware and software to the National Commission, 34 State Commissions and 593 District Fora. Computer Hardware / Software installation has been completed at 565 Consumer Fora.

Extension of CONFONET scheme during 11th Plan with a total outlay of Rs.25.69 crores has been approved. In the extended scheme, stress is being laid upon continued HR support by means of Technical Support Personnel (TSP) and training for eventual adoption of the system by the Consumer Fora themselves.

Similarly, we have another scheme titled 'Strengthening Consumer Fora' where financial assistance is being extended to States / UTs to supplement their efforts in strengthening infrastructure of the Consumer Fora. Till date funds to the tune of Rs.161.50 crores have been released to States / UTs for strengthening the infrastructure of Consumer Fora so that minimum level of facilities are available at each Consumer Forum required for their effective functioning.

I would like to mention here that responses from many States have been good and they have been active in strengthening the consumer protection machinery. All the same, the National Commission may like to identify specific problem areas for appropriate remedy. I am confident that under the overall guidance of the National Commission, the State Commissions and the District Fora would function commendably to maintain the confidence of consumers.

The need of the hour is for every Presiding Officer of the Consumer Fora to take a pledge to dispose off the cases within the prescribed time norm. They have to find ways and means to achieve this goal. I also feel that in some cases the Members of the State Commissions and the Presiding Officers of the District Fora may need to undergo orientation programme since learning is a continuous process. What is needed to be kept in mind always is the primary objective of the Consumer Protection Act. That is to provide simple, inexpensive and quick resolution of consumer disputes without having to adhere to the somewhat lengthy civil court procedures. Unless the Consumer Fora function effectively, the consumer movement would hit a roadblock.

All of you would agree with me that in a country like ours, the success of the consumer movement would depend largely upon sustained consumer awareness to make consumers vigilant about their rights and responsibilities. The Department of Consumer Affairs has launched an intensive multi media publicity campaign with this objective. As a part of this drive, we are also supporting a "National Consumer Helpline", which is being operated through the University of Delhi. It has a toll free number 1800-11-4000, which allows a consumer to be suitably guided. From its inception, over 2.5 lakh calls have been received which shows its growing popularity. A scheme for setting up State Consumer Helpline has since been launched in the Eleventh Plan. Eventually, the State Consumer Helplines can be networked with the National Consumer Helpline.

On this important day, let us rededicate ourselves to work for the welfare of the consumers. Let us all resolve to make them aware of their rights and responsibilities as consumers. Let us all ensure that the goods and services are available free from hazards and exploitation. Let us jointly strengthen the institutional legal framwork for this purpose. Effective functioning of consumer dispute redressal machinery for rendering quick justice is a very important component in this framework. I am confident that it will continue to deliver excellent service to the consumers in the future also.

With these words, I would like to conclude with the hope that all your deliberations will focus towards finding solutions for the effective functioning of the Consumer Fora besides providing further impetus to the consumer movement in the country.

Jai Hind.

Inaugural speech in National Conf. on Production of Quality Seeds & Planting Material-Health Manag in Horticultural Crops on 11.3.2010 at New Delhi

Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE) & Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Dr. A. S. Ayappan, Shri P. K. Basu, Additional Secretary, Agriculture and Cooperation, Government of India, Dr. H. P. Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticulture), ICAR, Dr. A. S. Sidhu, Director, IIHR, Bangalore, distinguished Vice Chancellors, Directors, Scientists, delegates from different parts of the country, representatives of press media, Ladies and gentlemen.

I am pleased to be here, amidst you all, to participate in the "National Conference on Production of Quality Seeds and Planting Material - Health Management in Horticultural Crops". It is a matter of satisfaction to see a large number of delegates from different part of the country. This gives me feel that, seeds and planting material, its quality and health is getting due attention for research and development, to serve the stakeholders. It is always beneficial to deliberate upon the current status, identify the gaps and develop strategies to address the challenges. Therefore, organization of this conference is timely. I compliment the organizers and DG, ICAR for giving me an opportunity to be the part of the conference.

Despite various challenges, Indian agriculture, which provides livelihood to 600 million people, has made rapid strides and our achievements are laudable. Efforts made by our Government has brought about a significant enhancement in investment for agriculture through new initiatives like National Horticulture Mission, National Food Security Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna. Initiative of the Government to provide seeds and inputs in a timely manner has paved the way for all time record harvest of wheat. In this context, Indian Council of Agricultural Research has played a key role in technology generation, development of seeds and production of breeder seeds and nucleus planting material. However, considering the challenges, there is a need for well orchestrated approach utilizing the technologies to ensure the availability of quality seed to achieve higher replacement rate.

Horticulture which includes, fruits, vegetables, spices, floriculture, plantation crops, medicinal and aromatic plants, has made appreciable growth in last two decades. The plan investment in horticulture has been rewarding, and it has emerged as the best option for the effective land use, employment generation and enhanced farm profitability. Scientists have developed more than 1500 cultivars of horticultural crops, many of which have been adopted by the farmers. In potato and many other crops, cultivars developed by the ICAR are grown across the country. Use of improved cultivars and production technologies have resulted in enhanced production, productivity, availability and export of horticultural crops, and this development is referred as Golden Revolution. But, availability of quality seeds and disease free planting material continues to be a constraint. Thus, effective use of diagnostic techniques are essentially required.

The planting material produced through micro-propagation is the success story especially in banana, which has enhanced the production and productivity many fold. Similarly, production of mini tuber in potato has ensured the quality production of seeds in potato. True potato seed (TPS) required intensive research to popularize. I am told that diagnostics for banana, citrus and potato have been developed by the ICAR research institutes, which is rapid and accurate method of detection of viruses and other pathogens. Similar detection techniques have to be standardized for other vegetatively propagated plant and developed diagnostic techniques have to be made available.

It is also satisfying to note that vegetable seed production especially of hybrids is done by many private sector companies. Nurseries to produce seedling of vegetables especially high value crops have also been established by a large number of small entrepreneurs, which produce millions of healthy seedlings of popular varieties in portrays under net tunnels. This has not only reduced the initial incidency of virus attacks, but has also provided uniform crop stand in the farmer's field with low or no mortality.

Recognizing the importance of quality seed and planting material Government has provided focused attention both for financial support for seed production, quality regulation and enabling policies. New Seed Bill-2004 approved recently also cover all the horticultural crops for regulation of seeds and planting material. Looking back to the development of seed industries, development of new technologies and recognition of many indian cultivars abroad I feel confident that there is a great opportunity for seed trade both in India and abroad. Therefore, there is a need for both private and public sector to work together both for production and management of quality to ensure higher replacement rates and achieve targeted production to meet growing demand.

Since large number of horticultural crops is vegetatively propagated, there is high risk of transmission of many virus and bacterial diseases, which many a time cannot be detected. Diagnostics have been developed for detection of many diseases. As source of clean material, nucleus garden has to be established under protected conditions having monitoring system to ensure freeness from diseases. In order to ensure, the quality planting material, we may have to think for establishing "seed and planting material health management system" where farmers can have access to ensure the fidelity and freeness from diseases. The system must have facilities for verification of cultivars (finger prints) and diagnostic system.

Now, I would like to conclude by mentioning the famous quote "AS YOU SOW - SO SHALL YOU REAP", which I feel is the theme of this National Conference. Let us all work towards providing Indian farmer with good healthy seeds and planting material, so that he in turn will quality horticultural produce. This will go a long way to give us much needed nutritional security. I wish that four days of deliberations with the theme of 'Production of Quality Seeds and Planting Material - Health Management in Horticultural Crops' will be fruitful and develop strategic action plan for ensuring the quality seeds and planting material. Once again, I thank you all and declare open the conference for deliberation. I wish a fruitful deliberation.

Jai Hind.