During his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the critical need for transforming India’s agricultural sector to ensure the nation’s food security and sustainable development. In a comprehensive address to the nation, he outlined several key areas where innovation and technology can revolutionize agriculture, making it more resilient, productive, and beneficial for farmers.
Key highlights on agriculture and technology
- Emphasis on Agrotech: Prime Minister Modi highlighted the transformative role that technology can play in modernizing Indian agriculture. He emphasized the need for adopting advanced technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, and precision farming techniques to improve crop yields, reduce input costs, and make farming more efficient. Modi stated that the integration of agrotech could be a game-changer in enhancing the productivity of small and marginal farmers, who make up a significant portion of the agricultural community.
- Digital Agriculture Push: The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of digital agriculture in empowering farmers with real-time data on weather, soil health, and market prices. He urged for the widespread implementation of digital platforms that connect farmers directly to buyers, minimizing middlemen and ensuring better prices for their produce. The use of mobile apps and other digital tools was highlighted as a way to make farming more profitable and less dependent on traditional methods.
- Support for Innovation: Acknowledging the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, Modi called for increased support for startups and entrepreneurs working on innovative solutions in agriculture. He mentioned that the government is committed to fostering a startup ecosystem that can bring new ideas and technologies to the forefront, driving the next wave of agricultural transformation.
- Sustainability Focus: Sustainability was a key theme in Modi’s address, with the Prime Minister stressing the need for environmentally friendly farming practices. He advocated for the adoption of organic farming and the reduction of chemical inputs to protect soil health and biodiversity. Modi also spoke about the importance of water conservation and the efficient use of resources to ensure that agriculture remains sustainable in the face of climate change.
- Government Initiatives: The Prime Minister highlighted several government initiatives aimed at boosting the agricultural sector, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for crop insurance, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) for irrigation, and the recently launched Kisan Drone initiative, which subsidizes the purchase of drones for agricultural purposes. These initiatives, he noted, are part of a broader effort to double farmers’ income and make agriculture a lucrative and sustainable occupation.
- Agriculture as a Key Pillar of Viksit Bharat: In his speech, Modi reiterated that agriculture is a cornerstone of his vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. He urged all stakeholders, including farmers, scientists, and industry leaders, to work together to ensure that Indian agriculture is not only self-sufficient but also a leader in global agricultural innovation.
Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day speech set a clear agenda for the future of Indian agriculture, with a strong focus on technological innovation, sustainability, and farmer empowerment. His call to transform agriculture is expected to drive policy changes and investments that will shape the sector’s development in the coming years, making it more resilient and globally competitive.
