8 months ago
India Pushes for Agricultural Transformation
At a big meeting about farming, important people talked about how India can make farming better.
They said farmers should grow different kinds of crops, not just the ones the government helps with special prices.
They also said India needs to spend more on research and use better technology to make farming more efficient.
The government has been working on improving farming by creating better seeds and helping farmers sell their products for more money.
Everyone agreed that farming in India needs to become more modern and use new technology to keep up with the rest of the world.
They also talked about how important it is for the central and state governments to work together to help farmers.
NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand urged farmers to diversify crops beyond MSP-linked ones.
RG Agarwal highlighted the need for increased R&D investment in agriculture, citing low government support and high costs.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the transformation in the farm sector, including a 44% increase in sugarcane production since 2014.
Justice Pratibha M Singh stressed the importance of Centre-State coordination to remove structural bottlenecks in agriculture.
Dr. Sudhanshu, APEDA Secretary, highlighted the role of crop nutrition, quality assurance, and organized supply chains in boosting agricultural productivity and exports.
- Who
- Ramesh Chand, RG Agarwal, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Justice Pratibha M Singh, Dr. Sudhanshu, and other agricultural experts
- What
- Discussions on agricultural transformation, technology adoption, and policy reforms
- Where
- Agribusiness Summit by PHDCCI
- When
- December 9, 2025
- Why
- To boost agricultural productivity, enhance farmers' income, and ensure self-reliance
Key facts
- Speaker 1
- Ramesh Chand (NITI Aayog member)
- Speaker 2
- RG Agarwal (Group Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech)
- Speaker 3
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Agriculture Minister)
- Speaker 4
- Justice Pratibha M Singh
- Speaker 5
- Dr. Sudhanshu (APEDA Secretary)
- Event
- Agribusiness Summit by PHDCCI
- MSP Crops
- 14 Kharif + 6 Rabi crops
- Growth Rate (MSP Crops)
- 1.8% (past decade)
- Growth Rate (Non-MSP Crops)
- 4% (past decade)
- Agricultural Growth (Avg.)
- 4.6% (past decade)
- Domestic Demand Growth
- 2% (current)
- India's R&D Expenditure
- 0.7% of GDP
- Pesticide Use in India
- 360 grams per hectare
- Sugarcane Production Increase
- 44% since 2014
- Climate-Resilient Seed Varieties
- 3,300
- Agricultural Workforce
- 45.6% of India's workforce
- Bio-Input Producers
- Reduced from 30,000 to 8,000
- Yield Gains from Technologies
- 15–20%
- DAP Usage Reduction
- Up to 40%
Timeline
Budget boosts agriculture spending five-fold since 2013, yields surge.
Government targets higher crop output, NITI Aayog echoes call.
NITI Aayog pushes for farm output boost, crop variety.
Ramesh Chand steps in, advises farmers on output, diversification.
Chand urges farmers: Branch out, go beyond MSP crops.
Quotes
Dr RG Agarwal
Chair of the Agribusiness Committee at PHDCCI
“The withdrawal of the earlier 2 per cent tax exemption on Research and Development (R&D) spending has come at a difficult time. The industry was already struggling to invest in research due to high costs and limited institutional support. Without incentives, companies find it harder to push scientific development.”
thestatesman.com
“India’s farmers have always delivered for the nation. Now, it is time we deliver for them — by ensuring they receive the best technologies, knowledge, and support to enhance their productivity and income. This summit reflects a united commitment to empower our annadatas and strengthen India’s agricultural future.”
thestatesman.com
RK Goyal
Managing Director, South Asia & SE Asia, Verdesian Life Sciences
“Seed and nutrient technologies are showing 15–20 percent yield gains in several trials across villages.”
thestatesman.com
“Approved nutrient-efficiency technologies are enabling farmers to reduce DAP usage by up to 40 per cent while strengthening crop growth, a shift he said is essential for improving productivity at scale.”
thestatesman.com
Dr. Sudhanshu
Secretary, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
“Organised supply chains and high-quality inputs can significantly strengthen India’s ability to scale exports and expand agricultural GDP.”
thestatesman.com
Justice Dr. Sudhir Kumar Jain
Former Delhi High Court judge and Member (Judicial) at the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC)
“Most rural families remain unaware of protections under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, despite India’s rise as a major agri-tech market.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
India must boost farm R&D to stay competitive in agriculture: RG Agarwal
India eyes agri transformation, govt pushes hard on tech and quality inputs
Centre- state coordination key to transform Indian agriculture: Justice Pratibha M Singh
Crop nutrition, quality assurance & organized supply chains key to boost agriculture: APEDA Secy
