India’s agriculture is on the cusp of a defining transformation. For decades, our farmers have sustained the nation with resilience and dedication. Today, they stand ready to lead a new rural revolution—powered by clean energy, advanced technologies, backed by sustainable practices. As global economies shift, the future will belong to those who can continually innovate, diversify, and create value. “For India’s farming community, the next decade presents unprecedented opportunities to redefine agricultural prosperity”, observes Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister Road, Transport and Highways and Chief patron of Agrovision, in an exclusive interview with AgroSpectrum on the occasion of the 16th edition of Agrovision.

How can farmers in India leverage the Blue Economy, AI, drones, and clean fuels initiatives?  

 The Blue Economy is an untapped opportunity for  fish farmers in India. With more than seven thousand kilometres of coastline and expansive inland waterways, India can unlock vast potential in fisheries, aquaculture, seaweed cultivation and coastal agriculture. Farmers can diversify into shrimp farming, algae production and freshwater fisheries—each offering several times higher profitability than conventional crops.

AI and drones play a major role in the digital transformation of agriculture. AI-driven predictive models, soil health diagnostics, water-use optimisation, and real-time crop monitoring can revolutionise productivity. Drones enable precision spraying, rapid crop surveys and reduced input costs—making agriculture smarter, safer and more climate-resilient.

 Biofuels, green hydrogen, compressed biogas (CBG), and ethanol blending will create multi-billion-dollar opportunities for rural India.   

 How can biochar production make farming sustainable, creating new income sources for farmers?

Biochar,  also known as ‘Black gold’ of Indian agriculture, enhances soil fertility and combats climate change by storing carbon and reducing pollution. Biochar also improves water retention and nutrient levels in soil. Biochar is essential for healthy farming and prosperity.

 It is carbon-rich, created by burning crop residues in low-oxygen conditions (pyrolysis), appearing similar to charcoal. Farmers in Maharashtra increased yields from 60–70 tonne to over 100 tonne of sugarcane per acre by increasing soil carbon.

Farmers need to embrace organic carbon techniques, biochar use, and modern mechanisation to improve agricultural yields, reduce input costs, and bolster farm income.

New technologies and organic farming practices can ensure better productivity and higher profitability. ‘Padhati’ and ‘Turhati’ are excellent local biomass sources for biochar production in Maharashtra.

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