Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day emphasis on millets, artificial intelligence in farming, and the blue economy can open significant new avenues for India's agricultural exports and economic growth, according to CA Aditya Sesh, Member of the Expert Committee at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Speaking on 15 August from Mumbai, Sesh said the government's groundwork — including the signing of 35 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) — positions Indian agricultural products for greater international market access.

Millets: From Tradition to Global Trade

Sesh described millets as a generational crop with strong commercial potential. 'Millets are one type of grain that we have used for generations. They consume less water, have high value and a longer shelf life. They can be consumed domestically as well as exported,' he said.

He highlighted the nutritional profile of millets — including a low glycemic index, high protein content, and essential nutrients — and argued that value-added millet products such as cereal bars could reduce India's dependence on protein imports. 'You will be surprised to note that we import protein. Why should we do that? We have enough millets in our country to produce such products,' Sesh said. Market prices for millets have reportedly already risen by around 15 to 25 per cent this year, reflecting growing domestic and global acceptance.

Maharashtra's Agricultural Role and GI Recognition

Maharashtra, Sesh noted, holds particular promise within this national push. The state's diverse ecosystems — especially the Konkan region, which receives substantial rainfall — make it a major producer of food grains, vegetables, and fruits. 'Maharashtra has a big role to play in the overall agricultural progress of the country,' he said.

He also pointed to the growing focus on Geographical Indication (GI) recognition for agricultural produce as a mechanism to preserve product value and improve farmer returns. The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, which promotes and markets locally distinctive products, was cited as a complementary framework driving this effort.

AI and Technology in Farming

Sesh welcomed Prime Minister Modi's emphasis on artificial intelligence in agriculture, describing AI as a potential cornerstone of the farming ecosystem. He said AI can improve productivity, support better decision-making, and enhance the efficiency of both farming operations and supply chains. Combined with technology-driven food processing and the development of the blue economy, he argued, these shifts can contribute substantially to India's growth trajectory in the coming years.

Energy Diversification as Agricultural Security

Sesh drew a direct link between agricultural resilience and energy security, arguing that recent global crises have exposed India's vulnerability to supply-chain disruptions. 'We must build multiple streams of energy so that we remain insulated from global shocks,' he said.

He backed the expansion of E20 ethanol-blended fuel — noting that compatible vehicles have already been tested — and called for India to broaden its energy portfolio to include hydrogen, solar, wind, and nuclear sources. 'Every other source of energy that you think of must be in our portfolio so that we remain insulated from global shocks,' he added.

The Bigger Picture

Sesh's overall argument is that India needs a resilient agricultural and economic ecosystem that combines traditional strengths — millets, diverse farm produce, and regional specialities — with modern technology, global market access through FTAs, and value addition at every stage of the supply chain. With the Independence Day address setting the direction, the challenge now lies in translating policy signals into verifiable outcomes for farmers on the ground.