Integrated farming system will help make agriculture profitable

New Delhi: Chintala Govinda Rajulu, former Chairman of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), emphasized the significance of integrated farming systems and the value addition of agricultural products to enhance farmers’ profitability. Speaking at the inaugural session of Uzhave Thalai, a farmers’ conclave organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, as part of Agri Intex on Saturday, he highlighted the need to increase farmers’ income using existing farm holdings.

Rajulu acknowledged that while doubling farmers’ income is achievable in certain regions, other areas face challenges. He noted that the government’s current focus is on generating wealth from agricultural waste and emphasized the importance of removing drudgery from farming to make it sustainable. Rajulu pointed out that numerous innovations are emerging in the agri-startup space and stressed the need for agriculture to become technology-driven in the coming years to ensure it remains profitable and productive for farmers.

Cibi B. Anand, chairman of the event, underscored the potential of producing banana and bamboo fibers for the textile sector, promoting inter-cropping on coconut farms, and adding value to agricultural products to boost farmers’ income. The event also featured speeches by B. Sriramulu, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, and M. Karthikeyan, President of the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA).