Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urges investment shift from fossil fuels to farmers for 22 per cent agri growth

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for a fresh approach to agricultural development, highlighting the potential of bamboo as a key driver for rural growth. Speaking at the ‘Bamboo for a Resilient Future’ event, he said India needs a clear direction and greater stakeholder involvement to strengthen its farming sector. “You can donate an eye, but not vision,” he said, stressing the need for long-term planning and innovation in agriculture.

Addressing the state of agriculture and rural distress, Gadkari pointed to bamboo as a game-changer in the sector. “From furniture to textiles, bamboo is a versatile resource. We can build a robust economy around it,” he said. He noted that over 10,000 farmers in Vidarbha have committed suicide due to declining profit margins in agriculture, and emphasised his commitment to improving the sector.

He underlined that despite government efforts, India’s agricultural commodity prices are heavily influenced by international markets. “Corn is priced by the USA, sugar by Brazil, and soybean by Argentina. Our rates are dictated by global supply chains,” he explained.

Highlighting the success of converting corn to methanol, Gadkari noted a price jump from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,600 per quintal, illustrating how value addition can benefit farmers. He also discussed the staggering Rs 22 lakh crore India spends on fossil fuel imports, advocating for a transition to biofuels and alternative energy sources. “If even Rs 10 lakh crore of that is directed toward farmers, agricultural growth could reach 22 per cent,” he claimed.

He further pointed to the opportunity in utilising agricultural waste. “Punjab and Haryana burn 210 lakh tonnes of parali (crop stubble) annually. This waste can be transformed into wealth,” he asserted.

Citing successful waste-to-wealth projects, Gadkari mentioned the Nagpur initiative where treated sewage water is supplied to power plants, generating Rs 300 crore in annual royalties. A similar model in Mathura, operated by Triveni Engineering, sells treated wastewater to a refinery, earning Rs 20 crore annually.

Gadkari concluded by stating that India has 17 per cent of its land classified as wasteland, which could be leveraged for bamboo cultivation, offering both ecological and economic benefits.