Nitin Gadkari Emphasizes Sustainable Practices and Modern Tech to Boost Productivity and Profitability at MFOI Awards 2024

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, delivered a compelling address at the Millionaire Farmers of India (MFOI) Awards 2024, emphasizing, “Modern technology and innovation are the keys to reducing agricultural costs and boosting productivity.” Organized by Krishi Jagran in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) as co-organizer, and sponsored by Mahindra Tractors, the event took place from December 1 to 3 at the iconic IARI Grounds in Pusa, New Delhi.

In his keynote speech, Gadkari extended heartfelt congratulations to the award-winning farmers, expressing gratitude for their contributions to the nation. “The government is consistently working to improve the growth rate in the agriculture sector,” he remarked, emphasizing significant developments such as the doubling of maize prices due to ethanol production initiatives, benefiting farmers immensely.

Gadkari underscored the importance of reducing production costs in agriculture, citing innovative solutions like:

• CNG, Electric, and Ethanol-Based Flex-Engine Tractors: Alternative fuel tractors introduced by companies like Mahindra have reduced costs for farmers, aided by advancements in lithium-ion battery technology.

• Drones and Nano Fertilizers: Distributed to women farmers, these technologies reduce dependency on traditional fertilizers, save costs, and enhance productivity.

• Organic Farming: Advocating for organic fertilizers and improved soil health, Gadkari emphasized increasing soil’s organic carbon levels to boost productivity and reduce expenses.

He further highlighted the need for:

• Dairy and Fisheries Development: New technologies like semen and embryo transfer are enhancing milk production, while the blue economy is expected to grow to Rs 7 lakh crore.

• Water Conservation: Stressing the importance of sustainable water use and the role of quality seeds and nurseries in improving productivity.

• Cold Storage and Pre-Cooling Facilities: Government support for storage infrastructure at the farm level to help farmers store produce until market prices are favorable.

• Hydrogen Fuel and Stubble-to-CNG Conversion: Emerging technologies will revolutionize agriculture, with future innovations potentially enabling helicopters to run on farmer-produced fuel.

“I urge farmers to adopt modern technology to reduce agricultural input costs. By changing crop patterns, learning from award-winning farmers, and embracing innovation, farmers can improve productivity and profitability,” Gadkari stated.

The MFOI Awards 2024 served as a vibrant hub for agricultural innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. The event saw hundreds of participants, including policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and progressive farmers, coming together to celebrate excellence in agriculture. Over three days, discussions and interactions underscored the sector’s pivotal role in national and global development.