Bhopal/Raisen: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday outlined an ambitious vision for transforming Indian agriculture by integrating modern technology, infrastructure development, water conservation, and alternative energy sources while addressing the valedictory session of the Unnat Krishi Mahotsav 2026 in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.
The three-day national-level agricultural festival, organised at the initiative of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, concluded with great enthusiasm at the Dussehra Maidan in Raisen.
Thousands of farmers participated in the event, which showcased innovation, agricultural machinery, and practical solutions for modern farming.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, and other dignitaries were also present.
In his address, Nitin Gadkari announced a new package of road development initiatives in response to demands raised by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He gave his nod to expedite the proposal for the Raisen Ring Road and Eastern Bypass, including preparation of the Detailed Project Report, faster land acquisition by the state government, and beautification of bridges.
He assured full support for other pending road-related projects in the region. Gadkari emphasised that the future of farming lies in advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, automated weather stations, satellite data, drones, and Nano Urea.
“Farmers must evolve with the times. Knowledge is the greatest power, and converting that knowledge into wealth is the biggest need of Indian agriculture today,” he said. He urged farmers to adopt innovation and technology to achieve higher production at lower costs.
The minister envisioned a larger role for farmers beyond being ‘Annadata’ (food providers). He stated that agricultural residue, crop stubble, and biomass could generate new income streams through ethanol, CNG, hydrogen, aviation fuel, and bitumen, thereby reducing imports and strengthening the rural economy.
Highlighting water conservation, Gadkari delivered a powerful message: “Slow down flowing water, stop moving water, and use stagnant water to recharge the soil.” He advocated the principle of “village water in the village, farm water on the farm, and household water at home,” comparing groundwater recharge to depositing money in a bank.
He also stressed the importance of dairy farming, fisheries, and the Blue Economy to boost farmers’ incomes. Gadkari noted that increasing production alone is not enough; robust infrastructure, including processing units, cold storages, pre-cooling facilities, and value addition, is essential to ensure remunerative prices for farmers.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the Unnat Krishi Mahotsav not as a mere event but as the beginning of a new chapter in agricultural transformation. He announced a detailed “seed to market” roadmap tailored to the region’s soil, climate, and resources.
The plan aims to develop the area as a major horticulture hub while expanding pulses cultivation. A dedicated task force and a national-level steering committee will monitor its implementation, with central and state teams working together.
Chouhan appealed to farmers to obtain a Farmer ID, which will streamline access to schemes and services in the future. He assured that the government remains committed to making farming profitable and improving the lives of farmers.
(IANS)
