Hyderabad: The TS government has sought British expertise in improving agribusiness sector in the State. It is looking for advanced technology in storing farm produce, packaging, cold storage, godown, value addition industries to promote agribusiness, technology collaboration to convert animal waste to energy and semen technology to improve dairy yield among others.
These issues were discussed when a British delegation met C. Parthasarathi, secretary to agriculture department and Suresh Chand, principal secretary, animal husbandry here on Thursday. The secretaries briefed them about government activities, potential areas of investments in the concerned departments.
Stating that agriculture contributes 15 per cent of the state GDP and government giving more preference to the sector, Mr Parthasarathy said that the government was working to convert farming community towards potential agribusiness sector.
He explained to the delegation about major improvements in the sector, construction of new irrigation projects, repairs and renovation of minor water bodies and mini-tanks, suggesting cropping pattern and schedule according to the climate change to the farmers at field level etc.
Mr Parthasarathy said farmers showed keen interest in cultivating horticulture crops with advanced technology. The government is starting a centre of excellence to bring in advanced technology to farmers and recently sanctioned spice park, establish value addition industries to promote agribusiness, he added. Mr Suresh Chanda said plans to have advanced technology in the sector for decreasing the input cost, maintaining animal health and produce quality fish seed.
