Date:15/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/05/15/stories/2006051501171700.htm

Back Workshop on globalisation in agriculture

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , May 14

The Consumer Guidance Society (CGS) is organising a workshop on `Opportunities and challenges in globalisation of agriculture in Andhra Pradesh' here on June 8.

"Agriculture in Andhra Pradesh is experiencing a deep crisis. The phenomenon of farmers' suicides, migration to urban areas and declining investments in agricultural sector are a testimony to the state of affairs with regard to the sector," Mr D. Narasimha Reddy of CGS, said.

The recent initiative of rural employment programme was not adequate to meet the enormity of the crisis. Projected enhancement of agricultural credit, by itself, offered no solution to the problem of the chronic indebtedness of small and medium peasants, he said here in a press release.

The opportunities and challenges that confronted the farm sector should be analysed in a holistic manner to arrive at workable solutions.

Focus on consumers

The workshop, which targeted all stakeholders of agricultural sector, would focus on increasing understanding issues such as globalisation, trade and economics in the context of Andhra Pradesh.

"We will share and discuss views on the issues and challenges in agriculture in Andhra Pradesh and gain citizen-consumer perceptions on these issues," he said.

The meeting would also discuss international, national and State policies relating to the above.