Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, urged farmers to get their soil tested to understand its specific needs, highlighting that research centers and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) are available to support them. Speaking at the National Agri Input Conclave 2025, organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in New Delhi, Choudhary emphasized the importance of scientific methods in modern farming. The theme of the conclave, “Walking the Green Mile towards Viksit Bharat by Ensuring Food Security, Economic Growth, and Self-Sufficiency by 2047,” set the stage for discussions on long-term agricultural strategies.
Choudhary acknowledged the relentless contributions of scientists, industrialists, and farmers in making India self-reliant in grain production. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, over 81 crore people are receiving free food grains. However, he cautioned against extremes in agricultural policies and stressed the need to address persistent challenges in the production of pulses and oilseeds. He also pointed out the fluctuating prices in agriculture and called for a shift towards high-value crops. Additionally, he spoke about the nutritional benefits of millets, stating that their value increases when reheated, unlike wheat, which loses nutrients.
India’s Evolving Agricultural Sector: The Need for a New Approach Discussed at PHDCCI’s Conclave
Ramesh Chand, a member of Niti Aayog, provided insights into the evolving nature of India’s agriculture. He noted that over the past decade, significant improvements have taken place, necessitating a refreshed and updated approach to policy-making. He highlighted that, despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s agriculture sector has maintained an overall growth rate of 4%, with six states recording growth above 5%. The prices of agricultural products have risen by 30% compared to other commodities, benefiting farmers.
Chand also discussed the impact of globalization on Indian agriculture, noting that after India became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), agricultural exports doubled within three years. In the 1960s, per capita food production was 800 grams per day. This figure has now increased to 2 kilograms per person per day and is expected to reach 3 kilograms in the future. However, he also pointed out that per capita grain consumption has decreased by 15%, while the consumption of fruits and vegetables has increased by 7%. He urged farmers not to focus solely on Minimum Support Price (MSP) but to demand government support in research, technology, and the elimination of fake seeds.
Addressing Agricultural Price Fluctuations and Value Addition
Choudhary emphasized the fluctuating prices of agricultural products and the importance of diversifying crop selection. He noted that India’s millet production has seen improvements with technological advancements, reducing the crop cycle from 120 days to 70 days. He also expressed confidence that agriculture will become the largest industry in the future and called for greater attention and investment from the industry to support this transformation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister for Jal Shakti, stressed the significance of government schemes in strengthening the rural economy. He mentioned that while the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme may seem small on an individual level, nearly ₹3 lakh crore has been invested into the rural economy through it. He also highlighted the government’s Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative to address depleting groundwater levels and emphasized the role of drone technology in pesticide application to reduce health hazards for farmers.
Also Read: Beyond Food Security: Addressing Soil Degradation and Climate Change with Technology
Government Initiatives and Industry Recommendations
Industry leaders at the conclave commended the government’s proactive stance in strengthening agriculture. Hemant Jain, President of PHDCCI, highlighted the role of initiatives such as the National Food Security Act, Rashtriya Krishi Kisan Yojana, and Kisan Beema Yojana in providing financial and infrastructural support to farmers.
Dr. R. G. Agarwal, Chair of the Agribusiness Committee at PHDCCI, stressed the importance of research-driven agricultural practices and proposed three key measures to empower farmers: structured training programs, fair pricing mechanisms, and strict action against counterfeit pesticides. He urged farmers to verify the authenticity of products using QR codes before purchasing. He also pointed out that India’s soybean production is 25% lower than that of the USA, and cotton production is 20% lower than China’s. To bridge this gap, he called for investment in improved seeds, pesticides, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones. He further advocated for a reduction in the 18% GST on agricultural inputs.
Additionally, Agarwal emphasized the importance of intellectual property rights (IPR), noting that a lack of awareness in this area has hindered the introduction of new seeds and pesticides in India. He stressed that recognizing and respecting IPR is essential for ensuring India’s competitiveness in the global agricultural market.
Collaboration in Farming: Soil Testing & Research Hold the Key
Dr. PK Singh, Agricultural Commissioner, Government of India, discussed the necessity of aligning agricultural schemes with the long-term goal of making India self-reliant by 2047. He highlighted the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme’s contribution of nearly ₹3 lakh crore to the rural economy and noted that the Fasal Bima Yojana has collected ₹32,000 crore in premiums. Singh also mentioned the success of the e-NAM platform in improving market access for farmers.
Singh further discussed the government’s response to emerging agricultural challenges. During COVID-19, agricultural production remained high, but the country faced a shortage of warehouses. To address this, the Agri Infra Fund was established, with ongoing projects worth ₹60,000 crore. Other key initiatives include the Natural Farming Mission, the National Millet Mission, and the Digital Agriculture Mission, which aims to create a digital identity for farmers through Agri Stack. Additionally, the Oilseed Mission is a seven-year program designed to increase the production and value chain of oilseeds and pulses, two of India’s most heavily imported commodities.
The PHDCCI’s conclave concluded with a vote of thanks by Abhishek Aggarwal, President and COO of Bharat Group, who highlighted the importance of innovation in the agrochemical industry. He urged increased farmer literacy programs to ensure the adoption of new agricultural technologies.
The conclave reflected PHDCCI’s commitment to fostering a self-reliant and food-secure India. With agriculture serving as the backbone of the Indian economy, industry leaders and policymakers emphasized the need for continued collaboration to drive innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth in the sector.
