NEW DELHI: Jal Shakti Minister of State Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary highlighted the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme’s significant impact, noting nearly ₹3 lakh crore invested into India’s rural economy.
Speaking at the National Agri Input Conclave 2025, Dr. Choudhary emphasized the need for continued focus on agriculture to drive India’s progress and praised initiatives like Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari and drone use in pesticide spraying. He also stressed collaboration between industry and government to support farmers and promote sustainable growth.
.Speaking at the National Agri Input Conclave 2025, organized by PHDCCI today at PHD House, New Delhi, with the theme Walking the Green Mile towards Viksit Bharat by Ensuring Food Security, Economic Growth and Self-Sufficiency by 2047, Dr. Choudhary stressed that India’s progress is intrinsically linked to agriculture, urging continued focus on strengthening the sector. He also highlighted the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative aimed at combating groundwater depletion and praised the use of drones for safer pesticide spraying, reducing health hazards for farmers.
The Minister commended PHDCCI’s efforts in supporting farmers and recognized the role of industrial leaders in promoting growth. He underscored the importance of collaboration between the insurance sector and the government to create innovative products that address regional agricultural risks, building on the support offered by the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
In closing, Dr. Choudhary called on industry leaders to collaborate with the government to ensure the benefits of these initiatives reach every farmer, advancing the vision of a self-reliant and sustainable India.
Peaking at the event Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, urged farmers to test their soil and take advantage of support from research centers and FPOs at the National Agri Input Conclave 2025 in New Delhi. He praised the contributions of scientists, industrialists, and farmers for making India self-reliant in grain production, under PM Modi’s leadership, with over 81 crore people receiving free food grains.
Choudhary highlighted challenges in pulses and oilseeds, stressed focusing on high-value products, and noted the growing importance of millet for its nutritional benefits. He also mentioned that technological advancements have reduced the millet crop cycle from 120 to 70 days. Concluding, he emphasized that agriculture will become the largest industry in the future and requires more attention and investment.
Dr. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog, discussed the complexity and diversity of India’s agriculture sector, noting significant positive changes over the past 10-12 years. He emphasized the need for a fresh, updated approach to harness its potential.
Dr. Chand highlighted that despite COVID-19, the agriculture sector grew at 4%, with six states exceeding 5% growth. He also noted a 30% increase in agricultural product prices compared to other goods, benefiting farmers. Since India joined the WTO, agricultural exports have doubled in three years. Per capita food production has grown from 800 grams to 2 kg per day, with expectations to reach 3 kg.
He urged farmers to focus on growth drivers beyond MSP, including R&D, technology, and market competitiveness.
Mr. Hemant Jain, President of PHDCCI, commended the government for initiatives like the National Food Security Act and Kisan Beema Yojana. He expressed confidence that today’s discussions would further strengthen India’s agriculture and empower farmers for a sustainable future.
