04 Oct 2013|Noida | Amity University Sector-125 Noida
Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture organizes Panel Discussion on “Global Economic Scenario: Prospects for Agri & Food Business Sector”
Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture (AIOA) organized a panel discussion with Industry Professionals on “Global Economic Scenario: Prospects for Agri & Food Business Sector” at Amity University Campus, Sector-125, Noida. The purpose of the discussion was to let students understand the fallout and implications of the current economic scenario on Agri and Food sectors.
The proceedings were initiated by lighting of the lamp by Shri K.S. Bains, IAS (Retd.), Advisor, AIOA, Dr. Naleeni Ramawat, Acting Head, AIOA, Prof. D.S. Rathore, Mr. B.B. Singh from Tata Chemicals and Ms. Prachi Sharma from Swadeshi Organics which was accompanied by recitation of Gayatri Mantra.
Welcoming the distinguished gathering, Dr. Naleeni Ramawat gave an introduction to the Institute and invited the feedback from the Industry guests for curriculum and various partnerships. She discussed about the novel mix of Agri, Food and Management courses in undergraduate level which was highly appreciated by the Industry guests. Dr. Ramawat also informed the august gathering about the progress AIOA has made and its achievements in a span of 8 years. Addressing the industry guest in his opening address, Shri K.S. Bains said that AIOA was the first Institute in the country under banner of Organic Agriculture. He said that farmers were at helm of backward linkage, industry represented the forward linkage from which AIOA would learn where to change to meet sectoral requirements.
In the first panel discussion, Dr. Deepti Rai from Agrovet, Dabur spoke about the need for integration of Animal Husbandry with Agriculture as well application of Hydroponics technology. Mr. Dippul Singhal from Wheatlay Pasta shared his views about a “Responsible Food Company” and how in current scenario, a food entrepreneur could be part of the growth story of Food sector in India. Mr. Pradeep Soni from Sewara Hospitality & Development talked about the integration of hospitality sector with organic foods. He was of the view that with sustainable techniques and by reducing carbon footprints, organic produce could reach the customers. Mr. Sumit Saxena from Diversay India P Ltd shared his views on “how safe is the food?” and how this could be insured through Consultancy, Audits and Training. Mr. Arun Patnaik from Aqua Agri Processing Pvt Ltd shared the growth story of this only large scale seaweed cultivating company in India and the huge potential of Carrageenan in the Food Industry world over. The panelists were felicitated by Shri K.S. Bains, Dr. Naleeni Ramawat and Dr. D.S. Rathore.
The second Panel discussion was joined by the Founder President, Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan. He expressed his happiness at the rate at which the strength of students of the Institute has increased and blessed the students. Founder President was also of the view that Agriculture has a tremendous scope for growth.
During the second panel discussion, Ms. Deepti Tiwari from Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. discussed how the norms of Priority Sector Lending which includes Loans for Agricultural purposes have enhanced the scope for Agri-business students in Banking Sector. Mr. B.B. Singh from Tata Chemicals said “Agriculture is the only business with 100% risk and this is to be taken by poor illiterate farmers.” He said that Tata Chemicals through its Tata Kisan Sansar has leveraged its Agri-business initiative for market penetration and feels that Industry must interact with Agri Institutes so as to get ‘ready for industry students’. Mr. R.K. Anand from IPL shared his views on how Agriculture is the most profitable business to be in and showed this through the success stories of grapes, pomegranate, and 1121 rice cultivation and export from India. Mr. Sumeet Srivastava from Field Fresh was of the opinion that farmer-centric Agri practices in F&V sector have indeed made this sector into a revenue generator. Ms. Prachi Sharma from Swadeshi Organic shared her own experiences of how to profitably run organic retail stores and restore the lost faith of the customers. Mr. Abhay Thakur from ITES discussed about organic certification and the challenges that lay therein.
The feedback from industry was also taken which was very encouraging. Ultimately, it was a great learning experience for students of AIOA.