TRANSFORMATION OF AMARAVATHI AS "SPECIAL AGRICULTURE ZONE" (SAZ) OR “AGRICULTURE EXPORT ZONE” (AEZ)
Radha Madhav
Climate Smart Agriculture - CSR- Human Rights- Sustainability - Public Policy - Holistic Life - Humanist - Constant Learner - Soon a Farmer
This would be an ideal proposition to transform Amaravathi as a Special Agriculture Zone (SAZ) or Agriculture Export Zone (AEZ) duly respectful of natural ecosystem therein and by considering SEZ experiences of the state in the past as a potential opportunity for economic and sustainable growth. It is beyond an agriculture project and duly blended with many social components to deal with local dynamics. This approach has the following advantages:
1. Naturally and historically Amaravathi location being resourceful for agriculture, this would be a best location for intensive agriculture
2. A hub of agriculture universities and scientists in close vicinity can contribute further
3. About 33000 acres of agriculture land in 29 villages can be well built in to an integrated setup having different models of agriculture like vertical farming, hydroponics, organic agriculture, commercial crops, horticulture crops, medicinal and aromatic plants, animal husbandry, agri-tourism etc.
4. An end to end supply chain systems can be in built for better traceability and trackability
5. Commodity Based Group Farming or FPOs or Co-operatives through an institutional approach can be easily introduced
6. This can be a hub of many CoEs (Center for of Excellence) and to develop many pilot models of agriculture, clean energy and closed cycle farming principles
7. Sentiments of local farmers and farm labour can be protected as their rights for farming are ensured
8. This can be partially or fully an export zone for agriculture, certified organic zone due to larger area under controlled conditions
9. SAZ can built on self- sustained and revenue generated business model by making relevant knowledge and technology partners to invest and operate besides many federal and international institutional funding agencies
10. A skill-based training center for youth and women can be developed on relevant farm themes defined
11. SAZ model can be best example for the entire nation and create new benchmarks in agriculture industry
12. Farmers can be made shareholders in SAZ or AEZ to gain economic equity
13. Research can be an integral component in SAZ or AEZ for crop specific and other related issues
14. This can be a best pre-commercial testing location for many corporate partners to test their products and services and for launching government schemes around agriculture
15. We can make many corporates as partners to introduce their technologies and innovations
16. Private Public Partnership models can be well evaluated under controlled conditions
17. Agriculture innovations like AI tools, IoT, climate smart agriculture methodologies can be showcased
18. Pest surveillance, weather forecasting models can be implemented in a larger area
19. Best crop practices, irrigation systems, farm mechanization, post-harvest technologies, required value addition and processing facilities can be proven about their intrinsic value
20. Amaravathi SAZ experience and learnings can help to emulate and evolve few more SAZ or AEZ in the state and this may gradually change agriculture face of the state and country as well
21. Agriculture labour and their rights can be well protected through an organized approach in line with national laws and international regulations
22. SAZ or AEZ can create multiple employment opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled manpower
23. Ancillary farm-based industries, organic and millet food parksagri startups etc., can slowly evolve and help to expand business opportunities especially for rural women and youth
24. Consumer satisfaction index and common man happiness index becomes multifold
25. Respect and passion for agriculture in youth and future generations can be sustained
26. This can be a novel and newer model in agriculture to face future challenges in agriculture and eventually food security issues of this country
27. The spirit and voice of Amaravathi as an “inclusive location for growth and exclusive location for innovation” can be raised to rest of the world while “go along with nature”
28. The whole approach help meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of UN for sustainable economic growth especially SDG no 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 on Climate Action
Overall, this can be a hub for transforming agriculture as an economic enterprise by setting good examples and establishing new sustainable model and benchmarks
AGE is only the number but not the SPIRIT
4 年Dr Venu of BARC R u listening
Knowledge Management - Training & Nurturing - Seed Systems Specialist - Entrepreneur - Academician - Enthusiast - Dreamer - Performer
4 年A good idea. Perhaps, we never thought in such direction wherein farmers and agricultural industry get impetus at one place. Except Palamaner & Chittoor, no other place in AP has some significance for agricultural activities. Whatsoever, farmers should be dealt with caution & planning while both backward and forward linkages are set appropriately. Personally, I am against fancy researches & endeavours like vertical farming, greenhouse technology etc. I feel - we still have to prepare ourselves for such. In fact, money has been going waste in the form of subsidies; somehow, money went into pockets of input suppliers & corrupt officers. I still have doubts how much are farmers benefitted from huge inflow of subsidies. I believe - Jagan will be guided well unlike stupid experiments and advisors of CBN.