Minister urges reduction in pesticide use in food crops

Hesaraghatta: The National Horticulture Fair 2025 got underway on February 27 at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute Hesaraghatta. The three-day exhibition will be concluded on March 1. During the ongoing festival, Union Minister of State for MSMEs, Labour, and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, urged farmers and agricultural experts to reduce the use of pesticides in food crops so that India’s exports could be improved and make the nation the “food basket” of the world.

The minister underscored India’s success in food production, stating that the country produces 265 million metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables and 340 million metric tonnes of food grains. However, she pointed out that high pesticide residues often lead to rejection in international markets. She emphasized the need for quality along with quantity and urged agricultural institutions and government bodies to educate farmers about reducing pesticide use.

Also Read: Pawan Kumar turns from struggling farmer to agricultural entrepreneur

She also stressed the importance of improving soil fertility and food processing. Noting the increasing demand for ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products, she encouraged collaboration between the agriculture sector and MSMEs to meet market demands.

NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand called for a “second green revolution” in horticulture. He stated that horticulture has grown at over 7% in recent years, while general agriculture growth remains below 4%. He also claimed that horticulture farmers had doubled their income in the past decade.

Around 250 stalls have been established from universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and other stakeholders. The demand for IIHR’s Arka varieties, banana varieties, and vegetable seeds is stupendous.