Challenge of Viksit Atmanirbhar Bharat
Union minister Nitin Gadkari said one of the biggest challenges in pursuit of a ‘Viksit Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is the low contribution to GDP by agriculture and allied sectors. Speaking at the national dairy conference organized by Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (Mafsu) here on Saturday, Gadkari said, “India’s 65% of the population lives in villages and their contribution to the GDP is only 12-14%.
This disparity is a major challenge that needs to be addressed to achieve the goal of a developed and self-reliant India.”
Gadkari emphasized the need to increase agricultural production to reduce farmer suicides, particularly in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Farmer suicides have been a persistent problem in this region. “To stop farmer suicides agriculture production has to be increased,” Gadkari said.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has highlighted a critical challenge in achieving a ‘Viksit Atmanirbhar Bharat‘: the low contribution of agriculture and allied sectors to the nation’s GDP. Speaking at the National Dairy Conference organized by Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU) on Saturday, Gadkari pointed out that while 65% of India’s population lives in rural areas, their contribution to GDP is a mere 12-14%. He emphasized that this disparity must be addressed to realize the goal of a developed and self-reliant India.
Farmer Suicides
Gadkari stressed the need to increase agricultural production to tackle the issue of farmer suicides, particularly in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. He underscored the importance of reducing input costs for farmers, especially in the dairy sector. “We need to find ways to reduce the cost of fodder by at least Rs 3 per kg using technology and innovation. This will lower milk production costs and boost farmers’ profitability,” he said.
Proposing the concept of cow farms under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, Gadkari drew parallels with his success in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects like highways and tunnels. He advocated for high-yielding cows to boost milk production in Vidarbha, suggesting the region needs 10,000 cows capable of producing 20 liters of milk per day. “We need a 360-degree approach to enhance productivity and reduce farmers’ costs,” Gadkari stated.
Gadkari also addressed challenges faced by other agricultural sectors, such as groundnut and soybean farmers, who struggle due to the import of cheap palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia. He criticized the practice of blending palm oil with other cooking oils, making it difficult for Indian farmers to compete. “I’ve discussed this issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi several times. Our solvent extraction plants are operating at only 35% capacity,” he noted, hinting at the economic impact of palm oil imports.
Value of farm output
The Minister emphasized the need to maximize the value of every farm output, citing cow dung as an example. He shared that a paint company in Chennai uses cow dung as a raw material, and his office walls are painted with it. Gadkari urged big companies to rely on internal R&D rather than depending on government support, likening over-reliance on the government to touching a ‘Vish Kanya’ (poisonous maiden). “Be it the BJP or Congress, if you rely too much on the government, it can be fatal,” he remarked.
Gadkari also touched on the controversial issue of using food for fuel, a policy he has consistently supported. He criticized the urban-centric approach that opposes this idea, stating, “Metro dwellers want cheaper tomatoes, but no one is addressing the rising costs of insecticides, which burden our farmers.” He expressed his desire to reduce India’s fossil fuel import bill to zero in his lifetime by promoting ethanol and other innovative energy solutions.
The conference was attended by notable figures including MAFSU VC Dr. Nitin Patil, National Dairy Development Board Chairman Dr. Minesh Shah, Indian Council of Agricultural Research Deputy Director General (Animal Science) Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, and Indian Dairy Association President RS Sodhi.
