Union Budget 2016: Richard van der Merwe, Vice Chairman & Managing Director and CEO of Bayer CropScience Ltd

"A concerted effort to drive the momentum of agricultural growth and development is definitely the need of the hour."

Richard van der Merwe, Vice Chairman & Managing Director and CEO of Bayer CropScience Ltd. shares his expectations from Union Budget 2016.

During the past year, a lot of steps have been undertaken by the Central Government to improve India’s socio-economic growth. We look forward to substantial reforms being announced to provide fillip to these initiatives and drive the development agenda further. This entails special focus on core sectors driving growth. A concerted effort to drive the momentum of agricultural growth and development is definitely the need of the hour. Agriculture which is the backbone of the Country has suffered in the past two years.

One of the constraints faced by Indian agriculture is the need to increase farm productivity and improve yield which will improve farmers’ incomes, especially for crops in demand. This requires attention towards development and proper usage of high-yielding, resistant varieties of seeds and crop protection measures. (Also Read- Union Budget 2016: Here’s what technology sector seeks from Arun Jaitley)

It is extremely significant to augment post-harvest logistics to help store and save produce, consequently reducing imports. Increased spending and concrete steps to further solidify reform measures announced under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture under Krishi Unnati Yojana, provision for a comprehensive crop insurance, enhanced irrigation facilities for alleviating farmers’ issues and mitigating adverse impact of weather conditions on farm productivity would be a very welcome move from the Government.