Maharashtra has the advantage of several agro-climatic zones within the state and also several soil types; a result of this diversity is an exciting range of agro-produce. Our cities and rapid urbanisation result in a ready market.

Maharashtra has had another legacy which we sometimes take for granted. A political administrative leadership that has been sensitive to farmers' needs and to the agro-sector. Maharashtra has been at an advantage for years. Agro Advantage, is yet another thrust to boost these advantages further. It is also a time to reflect the areas that we need to strengthen further. To overcome the pitfalls that are holding us back. The inauguralspeeches on Friday, the first day of the meet, by the prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the chief minister Manohar Joshi were reassuring.

Our governor PC Alexandr, summed up very lucidly the special problems and the natural constraints of irrigation that will determine our future growth. Dr Alagh's commendable academic analysis followed by a powerful speech by the union minister of state for agriculture set the trend for the proceedings to follow.

Agro Food Tech '98 - an international exposition was truly international in content and scale. The exposition will prove an eye-opener for all and particularly our farmers who will get exposure to international products staying at home. The Maharashtra pavilion was a commendable effort.

How can we take advantage of a seminar of this magnitude? I think the answer lies in facing ground realities.

While we all look at the big picture with pride and euphoria. Somewhere we forget the small picture -- the man at the end. The farmer, the state and thenational policy are sometimes quite far from reality. While I do not deny the sincerity of purpose, I question the enormous delays in our system in recognising and implementing change. I have also felt that many times small issues, never reach the highest executive who must initiate change. Here I would like to address the two most senior executives the state's chief minister and the country's prime minister.

Dear Chief Minister:

* Maharashtra India's most advanced horticulture state has the most primitive cargo-handling facility at Mumbai airport. While we are aware of the space constraint and the controversy of ground-handling between Air India & IAAI, a matter addressed by several committees, the problem needs urgent attention. This issue remains unresolved for eight years.

* In keeping with globalisation and to encourage a healthy investment climate, we must peruse the lead the government of Maharashtra took four years ago, to abolish ceiling on agricultural land. The current legislation isoutdated.

* In act legislation that encourages tenancy of agriculture land and the same time protects ownership. This would benefit small and marginal farmers who would get a secure income and retain ownership.

* Rationalise the use of irrigation water within the state and set a time frame by which drip and sprinkler irrigation will replace wasteful open channel methods.

* Pursue a policy that secures minimum wages in the agro-sector. Social security for the agricultural worker is long overdue in India. We in Maharashtra must lead. Social consciousness needs imagination, will and commitment, not government funding. Social security must be financed by employees and entrepreneurs.

I take the criticism that some of the points I refer to you honourable chief minister, are part of the big picture. I also agree that a lot of these issues must be resolved at New Delhi. What we do need is a strong body within the state to take up issues pending at the centre. This body must have teeth, grit andmuscle.

Dear Prime Minister

The functioning at Krishi Bhavan needs to be revamped and made farmer-friendly. At the moment, Krishi Bhavan gives the feeling of being anti-farmer. How else can one explain the following:

* India is the only country in the world where inspection fees on imported planting material can be as high as Rs 160,000 per hectare. The ministry charges 40 paise per plant for inspection. Many a times this amount is over 50 per cent of the cost of the plant or flower bulb.

When the growers objected Krishi Bhavan raised the fees rather than lower it. This question of inspection fees is now 10 years old. We appreciate that your government is only seven months old. I can only bring to your attention the attitude of indifference.

* Farmers are denied access to the latest pesticide formalities owing to the outdated Insecticides & Pesticides Act of 1968 (see CommodityWatch of August 3, 1998). Yet the Indian farmer is expected to compete in the international markets. Five years downthere is no solution to this relatively simple demand.

The government of Maharashtra took up this issue with the government of India but alas Krishi Bhavan remains silent.

Honourable prime minister, these are examples of immediate problems in our agro-sector they represent the small picture.

It is unfortunate that they have to be addressed to the highest office in the country for redressal.

Indian agriculture needs new direction and greater sensitivity to handle its diverse problems. If the agro-sector is to flourish each state should be able to control its own destiny. Agriculture requires total decentralisation and a control-free regime.

Despite all odds, Maharashtra will perform. It will prove its advantage again and again. I have one concern however, Agro Advantage Maharashra must not be disadvantage India. Only your intervention can prevent that.

(The author is a leading exporter of cut-flowers and is based in Nashik)