New Delhi, March 25, 2022.

Dhanuka Group has signed an MoU with Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur to jointly work on trials and verification of new technology with a view to transferring it to a large number of farmers spread throughout the length and breadth of the country.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Shri R.G. Agarwal, Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech Limited, and Dr. J.S. Sandhu, Vice-Chancellor, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner,  Jaipur, Rajasthan on March 24.

The objective of the MOU is to work together on drone technology and demonstrate the utility of agri-drones for the spray of fertilizers and agrochemicals. It also seeks to educate and train farmers, scientists, and other agriculture stakeholders on the use of technology on farms.

Dhanuka Agritech Limited had earlier signed MoUs with G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar; CCS Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar; Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Telangana; University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Raichur; Maharana Pratap Horticultural University (MHU), Karnal & Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab.

Shri Agarwal delivered a presentation titled “Smart agriculture with Precision Plant Protection; Agri-business Entrepreneurship Development & How to increase farmer's income” as a special invitee at the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of the Indian Phytopathological Society. Its 8th International Conference 2022 (hybrid) on “Plant Pathology: Retrospect and Prospects” is being held from March 23 to March 26, at the SKN Agricultural University.

Shri Agarwal has over 50 years of rich experience in the agriculture sector working for the food, nutrition, health, wealth, and environmental security. He has been working for the betterment of the Policy framework which needs realignment to reach the goal of a US$ 5 trillion economy envisioned by the Prime Minister.

Dhanuka Group has always believed in working in PPP mode with the Government and agricultural universities to benefit farmers.

Dhanuka Group looks forward to joining hands to improve the yield, quality, and income of farmers through quality agri-inputs, especially crop protection chemicals, and by private agri-extension.

After his presentation at the conference, Shri Agarwal was given a memento by Dr. Pratibha Sharma, President, Indian Phytopathological Society; Division of Plant Pathology, IARI and Dr. P.K. Chakrabarty, Member (Plant Sciences), ASRB & Patron, Indian Phytopathological Society.

Shri Agarwal during his presentation announced an annual award of Rs. 50,000 for 5 years for the best pathology scientist who will be decided by the jury to be appointed by the Indian Phytopathological Society. This award will be known as the Dhanuka Scientists Award and will be handed over in the annual function of the Society.

Shri Agarwal also announced to provide gratis samples of any of Dhanuka’s new technology products which were recently introduced like Kirari for control of downy mildew, Nissodium for control of powdery mildew, Conika to prevent the bacterial-fungal complex formation in pomegranate, grapes amongst other multiple crops.

He also said that apart from these products, other samples from Dhanuka’s range of more than 100 products can be sought by any scientist or student for their research purposes.

Dhanuka presently offers scholarships to poor students of agriculture universities as well as summer internships to a large number of students all over the country.

Indian GDP from agriculture is one-third in comparison to China’s GDP from agriculture despite having much more arable land and rainfall. The key reason for this is the non-availability of new technology and quality agri-inputs, and the lower use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides as compared to China and other developed countries.

Besides, the widespread presence and use of spurious bio-products laced with chemical pesticides is adversely affecting crops in India. At Chinese earnings levels, Indian GDP from agriculture can be increased tremendously and bring about a real turnaround in the rural economy. And the only way to improve agricultural output is to adopt new technology which is only possible through the PPP mode. The Government should come forward to support the private sector and help the nation achieve the target of a USD 5 trillion economy.