Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu today said innovations alone can solve future agricultural problems likely to arise in the country. The present challenge is how to minimise the colossal losses in farm production.

Opening a conference of start-ups in the agricultural sector, he noted that innovations have largely reduced poverty in India. This is the way to address the future challenges as well.

Mr. Prabhu said top soil has to be made fertile once again. It has suffered from climatic changes. He announced that New Delhi will be hosting a global conclave of start-ups next month to avail their expertise.

Mr. Prabhu released a book on agri startups brought out by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, FICCI. He also presented awards to select pioneers in the field.