Food Processing minister says urbanization and climate change affecting agriculture

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Tuesday said rapid urbanization and erratic climate are ruining the lives of farmers.

Addressing the "National Post Harvest and Logistics Summit" here, Badal said: "As a politician, I understand how the erratic climate change is playing havoc not just with the environment, but also the farmers.

"Farmers are also affected by rapid urbanization which is leading to a change in their dietary habits."

Explaining the country's climatic conditions, the Minister said that every year floods ravage half the nation while the other half reels under drought.

There would be a humongous wastage of food unless the country has adequate cold storage facilities and good post-harvest practices, the Minister said, adding that due to lack of critical infrastructure, millions were starving.

Ashok Dalwai, Chairman of the Committee on Doubling Farmers' Income, said the corporate sector should play a greater role, as 48 percent of people still depend on agriculture.