Adv. V.S. Sunilkumar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture,
Shri V. Rajendra Babu, Mayor, Kollam,
Shri N.K. Premachandran, Member of Parliament,
Shri A. Noushad, Member of Legislative Assembly,
Shri C. Prasantakumar Swain, Joint Secretary, Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Govt. of India,
Shri Devendra Kumar Singh IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner,
Shri P.K. Hameedkutty, Assistant Agricultural Marketing Advisor,
Priyappetta Karshaka Suhruththukkale,
Madhyama suhruthukkale
Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.
I am very happy to inaugurate the National Agmark Expo-2019 organized by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India with the co-operation of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Kerala.
Let me at the outset, compliment the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection for organizing this Exhibition which promotes the message, ‘QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR BETTER LIFE.’The message is very relevant, since every citizen has the right to get quality products for better life.
Ever since its inception in 1935, the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) has been working to protect the interests of the farmers and to boost their income by preventing exploitation by middle men or marketing cartels.
We all know that, for our people, especially those in villages, Agriculture is not just an occupation, but a tool for survival. Thus, we are duty-bound to ensure the overall growth of the national economy through steady and sustainable development of the agricultural sector. In Kerala, the contribution of Agriculture to the State's Gross Domestic Product is less than 12 per cent. This means, we must enhance our investment in agriculture, strengthen agricultural research and increase the facilities for agro-based businesses. All these would succeed only if we strictly adhere to the global norms of quality.
The quality of the agricultural produce has always been a major issue and it was on the basis of quality that traders as commission agents have been cutting the prices and curtailing the bargaining power of farmers. Therefore, the regulation of the market and product standardization became the key components for protecting the interest of the farmers. It was in this context that the AGMARK certification was issued in accordance with the Agricultural Produce Grading and Marking Act, 1937. This also led to the formulation of specification of agricultural and allied commodities and today, about 240 commodities can be graded under Agmark.
But, I understand that very few commodities are available in the market for Agmark in Kerala. I am told that there were 26 Agmark egg grading centres in Kerala in 1960s and that Kollam was a major centre for grading and marketing of eggs. The Agmark was globally recognized as the Indian mark of quality and until 1990, spices and essential oils were exported from Kerala with compulsory pre-shipment under Agmark. Even now, the European Economic Community insists on compulsory Agmark certification for fruits from India, particularly grapes.
Today, we have a voluntary Agmark grading system for protecting the interests of consumers and promoting the quality-conscious producers. But, it is limited to select commodities like vegetable oils, honey, curry powder etc., and many commodities which have good scope for grading under Agmark are still not available in the market due to lack of awareness, promotion and publicity.
But, we should realize what we actually lose due to our lack of awareness and readiness to give importance to quality. Many nations smaller than us have conquered the global markets. For instance, Philippines has gone ahead of us in selling more bananas; Thailand is making a global success in Rice cultivation and Malaysia has been dominating the export of Rubber, Cocoa and Palm oil. These are just some examples of countries smaller than us reaping greater success in farming, mainly due to their adherence to quality.
In my personal opinion, promoting quality in agriculture must be seen as an example of nation building, because agricultural progress is the basis of a nation's wealth. Besides, Quality has become the yardstick for the survival and success of agricultural and food products in today's global market. In fact, a sense of quality must be a part of everything we do and it should be cultivated right from the school level. Quality decides customer satisfaction as well as loyalty. Most importantly, hygienic and good quality food products can create a healthy society and a healthy Nation.
As a person hailing from an agricultural background, I have always supported agricultural entrepreneurship as a means of employment for our youth. Today, I feel that the scientific grading and standardization are areas which can offer opportunities for our cooperative societies, Self Help Groups, Farm Produce Organizations and unemployed educated youth who can utilize the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure [AMI] Scheme. It is good to know that women entrepreneurs can also come forward to establish pack houses, grading centres etc., with the support of the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection.
I sincerely hope that the National Agmark Exhibition-2019, at Kollam will sensitize the people, particularly farmers, students, youth and women to know the significance of Agmark grades and standardization, Food Safety, Food system, marketing opportunities etc. I am certain that the seminars and other events to be held as part of this Expo will empower our farmers with relevant knowledge that will help them improve their production and the quality of their produce.
I compliment the regional office of the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection for organizing this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
