The varied agro-climatic regions of our country make available to us unique opportunities to produce a large spectrum of diverse agricultural commodities in abundance. However, in large areas agricultural production activities are being carried out using traditional methods/practices. Adoption of modern techniques would lead to quantum jump in agricultural production. Empowerment of our agriculturists / farmers through innovations, technology infusion, value addition and processing will also have direct bearing on making our agriculture more competitive by bringing in quality and cost efficiency.

The opening up of the world markets under the WTO regime has created immense business opportunities especially in the field of agricultural exports. Learning from the experience and development strategy of successful countries will not only be helpful in achieving the targeted 4% growth rate in agriculture but also in increasing the acceptability and demand of our agricultural products in the international markets. Agriculture needs to be supported by establishing small units that add value to the produce and thereby make agriculture more remunerative to producers.

In view of the above and the fast changing scenarios in the economies across the globe, particularly in the banking sector & and to harness the increasing opportunities offered to Indian entrepreneurs in the field of Horticulture, agro-processing and dairy, etc., the Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD) is organizing a Training cum Exposure visit to the Netherlands on High Tech Agriculture, Floriculture, Agro-processing, Dairying and Philanthropic funding. The programme will provide an opportunity to the participants to gain exposure to the modern production, processing and marketing technologies in agri-business and the methods adopted by banks for financing these activities and also on philanthropic funding to civil society organizations. Philanthropic foundations based in developed countries have made important contributions to development, particularly in agriculture, family planning and infectious diseases control in the developing countries. The donor agencies have also evolved innovative approaches to building democratic life in developing countries. The proposed exposure visit to Netherlands will provide an opportunity to civil society organizations from India for information exchange with official aid agencies and develops a long term relationship between them.