India’s Agriculture Sector Eyes Future Growth With Technological Innovations, Says Union Minister
Bhagirath Choudhary highlights the importance of soil testing and technological advancements to boost agricultural output, while government leaders discuss schemes for rural empowerment at the National Agri Input Conclave in New Delhi
Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, emphasised the crucial role of technology in enhancing soil quality and agricultural productivity. Speaking on the theme “Walking the Green Mile towards Viksit Bharat by Ensuring Food Security, Economic Growth, and Self-Sufficiency by 2047″, he urged farmers to regularly test their soil to understand its specific needs and harness support from research centres and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Choudhary lauded the efforts of farmers, scientists, and industrialists that have made India self-reliant in grain production. However, he pointed out ongoing challenges in pulses and oilseeds, stressing the importance of focusing on high-value crops like millet. He also highlighted the impressive reduction in millet’s crop cycle from 120 to 70 days due to technological advancements.
Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister for Jal Shakti, discussed various government initiatives, including the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which has invested nearly Rs 3 lakh crore into the rural economy. He also noted the shift to drone technology for safer pesticide spraying and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts with the insurance sector to protect farmers from financial shocks.
Ramesh Chand from NITI Aayog shared insights into agriculture’s growth trajectory, citing a 4 per cent sector growth despite challenges like Covid-19. He also urged farmers to focus on technology, R&D, and market competitiveness rather than solely on minimum support prices (MSP).
The conclave concluded with R. G. Agarwal of PHDCCI urging industry stakeholders to support farmers with training, fair pricing, and advanced technology, including AI and drones, to improve productivity.
