Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday, 13 June said that India's path to becoming a developed nation by 2047 hinges on the deep integration of agriculture, knowledge, research, and innovation. Speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day national conference in New Delhi, Birla framed farming not merely as an economic activity but as a civilisational anchor for the country's future.

What Birla Said

Addressing the conference titled 'Sustainable Agriculture for Viksit Bharat@2047: Tradition, Technology and Tangible Outcomes', Birla declared, 'India's agriculture is not merely the backbone of the economy but also the cornerstone of our cultural consciousness, food security, rural prosperity, and social stability.'

He stressed that amid global pressures — including climate change, food security challenges, and the Sustainable Development Goals — India must harmonise traditional agricultural knowledge with modern science, technology, Artificial Intelligence, climate-resilient innovations, and research-based solutions.

Technology as the New Farming Frontier

Birla identified next-generation tools — including drones, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital farming — as forces making agriculture increasingly precise and productive. He called on agricultural universities, research institutions, scientists, and innovators to serve as the primary pillars of India's agricultural future.

He also underscored the urgent need to expand agro-based industries, food processing units, and agri-startups to accelerate rural development and improve farmers' livelihoods.

Environment, Water, and Soil Health

On environmental concerns, the Speaker highlighted the importance of water conservation, micro-irrigation, soil health management, high-quality seeds, optimised fertiliser use, and climate-resilient crop varieties. He commended the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the broader scientific community for their sustained efforts in engineering productivity-enhancing solutions.

Role of Youth, Women, and Grassroots Innovation

Birla observed that youth energy, women's leadership, and grassroots innovation would provide vital momentum to the rural economy. He called upon teachers, scientists, researchers, policymakers, and farmers to collectively develop self-reliant agricultural models capable of sustaining long-term prosperity.

'India's villages are the country's true strength, and our farmers continue to be the backbone of both our economy and social fabric,' he stated.

About the Conference

The event was jointly organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM), ICAR, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It brought together educators, scientists, and policymakers to chart a roadmap for sustainable agriculture ahead of India's centenary of independence. The conference's emphasis on blending tradition with technology signals a broader policy push to make the farm sector a central pillar of the Viksit Bharat agenda.