Agricultural Marketing Needs Reforms, Says Budithi

Vijayawada:Special principal secretary (Agriculture) Budithi Rajasekhar forecast that in the next three years, 40 per cent of farmers will move towards organic and natural farming.

“There is a need to prepare special plans for marketing organic agricultural products,” he emphasised addressing a workshop on “Marketing Opportunities of Natural Farming and its Produce” organised by the Mark Fed department in coordination with Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, SERP and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

Rajasekhar expressed concern that climate change is causing problems like untimely rains and increased global temperature. Many people around the world do not have a proper understanding of extreme weather conditions. He opined that increasing awareness about the importance of natural farming and environmental changes is not only useful for professionals but also for individuals in leading their personal lives.

Vijaya Kumar, chief executive vice chairman of Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, said there is a need to reorganise the present marketing system, ensuring that farmers get the benefit, instead of getting trapped by middlemen.

Andhra Pradesh Mark Fed managing director Manazir Jilani, marketing director M. Vijaya Sunitha, and Rythu Sadhikara Samstha chief executive officer B. Rama Rao were among those who addressed the meeting.