Modernization of Farming, Fishing, Sheep Breeding, Dairy, Poultry A Must

The policy makers have not much option but to promote , support, facilitate and help the micro to medium ( MSME) sector to keep the economy going in these times of crippled activity which has slowed down and curtailed all activities.
The micro to medium sized entrepreneurs are the ones who for their own survival will not sit idle and will face the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic and the policy makers need to support them to keep the wheels moving. The encouragement , motivation and support can do wonders for the sector which in turn will reflect on the badly beaten economy.
According to our study we believe that the government will have to work on the MSME from grassroots level.
Agriculture to begin with but because of the climatic changes, it is very important that hydroponic farming is given top priority. We need to educate the MSME farmers about the benefits of hydroponic farming and introduce it first as a parallel system and once the farmers understand how easy it is and how safe and protected it can be made, they will adopt it. Hydroponic farming can fill all gaps of shortages and guarantee regular supplies from greenhouses to super stores and fill the shelves everywhere.
Secondly we seriously need to tap all resources of sea food and modernize the fishing industry. Our trawlers are outdated , we need to upgrade them with on board refrigeration and matching catching and deep sea fishing equipments. We really need to catch the fish which swims away to our neighbouring countries.
Thirdly the sheep breeding industry is neglected and is not given the importance and attention it deserves. The farmers can be encouraged to do this as a parallel to farming and provided the best veterinary care and education on the food and its nutritional values for rapid growth.
Our poultry industry is also not up to the mark and besides chicken, we need to seriously work on partridges ,ducks, turkeys and ostriches for export as in many global countries there is huge demand for these.
Finally the concept of value addition is a must as value can be added to almost every product and line of trade.
A comprehensive support policy is needed to provide land at concession on pay as you earn scheme, finance at subsidized rates, leasing facility for plant and equipment for farm houses and solar/ wind/ biomass systems wherever required.
Modern banking, leasing, insurance and logistics to be provided to entrepreneurs.
It is high time the government realizes that the big sector is shy and it is the MSME who cannot afford to be shy and will come forward if supported as it needs to survive.
Finally one more suggestion is to go all out to support the upper medium entrepreneurs as they are in a position to set up import substitution industries.
A value addition bureau is a must and it can be set up under the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA).
We sincerely hope the government will roll up its sleeves and co-ordinate to give jump start to the sector and promote the MSME on fast track.

Posted in: Press Releases