Nagpur: Agrovision — the yearly exhibition for farmers patronized by Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari — will also have a major presence of small and mid scale ministries this time. Gadkari heads the micro small and medium enterprises (MSME) ministry apart from transport in the BJP’s second term.

Gadkari has been promoting the event, being held for the last 10 years, to provide a platform for region’s farmers to access latest know-how in the sector. Agrovision 2019 event will be held from November 22 to 25.

This year a special dome will be constructed for the MSMEs. Sources in the MSME Development Institute (MSME-DI) in the city said as industries catering to the agriculture sector will be higher in number this year.

MSME ministry has a scheme for subsidizing the industries’ expenses — up to Rs 30,000 for participants — incurred for taking part in such events. For this, the event has to be approved by the ministry. “The Agrovision Expo already has the approval under the subsidy scheme,” said an official.

Last year, there were around 20-odd MSMEs at the Agrovision expo, “this time there will be nearly 100”, according to a senior official at the MSME-DI. Even industries engaged in food processing sector or farm implement manufacturers find such events to be a platform to showcase their products and technology.

CD Mayee, the chairman of Agrovision advisory council, said Union agriculture minister Narendrasingh Tomar will be the chief guest. Giriraj Singh, the minster for animal husbandry, will also be inaugurating one of the sessions.

Mayee said small industries will have a major presence in the event too. “New technologies including those on using drones in farming will also be put on display during the event,” he said.

Commodity exchange NCDEX will take part in the event too.

Published On : 20-11-2019

Source : Times of India