Excerpts of the speech of Mrj.S.Deepak, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & industry, gol - chief guest, at the 120th upasi annual conference held on 3rd September 2013

摘要

It is indeed a pleasure and honour for me to be here on your amidst on the occasion of the 120th Annual Meeting of UPASI. I had the opportunity to interact with the growers and other stakeholders across tea, coffee, spices and rubber sector from threedifferent States, which make this visit a matter of pride and privilege. The President, UPASI in his remarks has raised number of issues which concern the planting sector. Before I dwell on some of these issues, let me share with you the vision of Government of India, its priorities and policies regarding plantations. For Government of India, plantations are not a matter of trade and commerce, not even a matter of business and industry, but what is our utmost concern is that it affects the livelihoodsof about 30 lakh workers and nearly 18 lakh small growers and large planters community. We believe that the vibrant plantation sector can provide jobs to millions including 200 lakh people who are indirectly dependent on them in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Hence, we are committed to the interests of planting sector and its stakeholders and let me reiterate that this commitment is absolute.