Need for innovation in agro-based industries to make best use of local products: Gadkari

New Delhi, June 14 (KNN) Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today stressed upon the need for diversification of agriculture and innovation in agro based industries like food processing, beekeeping, fisheries, bamboo based industries etc.

Gadkari , the Minister of Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, has said that acute shortage of water and lack of innovation and diversification in farming and other related activities are the main reasons responsible for the poor economic conditions of farmers in the country. 

He was speaking at a National Seminar on Liberating Farmers from Debt Trap: Challenges of Policy Reforms in India here today.

He said that research efforts should be made to bring in innovative technology to make best use of locally available products including waste. In this regard he cited the example of producing amino acid fertilizers from human hair and second generation ethanol from agro and municipal waste.

The Minister also informed that the Green Highways programme will also generate employment for the village youth and help improving their financial condition.