How can the government prioritize green fuel and create gender-neutral farm equipment?
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Synopsis
The future of Indian agriculture hinges on sustainable practices. Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi emphasizes the need for green-fuel technologies and gender-neutral equipment for women farmers. This approach not only aims to ease labor but also aligns with the vision for 2047, inviting international collaboration in the agricultural sector.
Key Takeaways
- Green-fuel technologies are crucial for sustainable agriculture.
- Gender-neutral equipment can significantly reduce the labor burden on women farmers.
- The UN's recognition of 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers emphasizes the need for gender-focused policies.
- Collaboration between India and Italy could drive innovation in the agricultural sector.
- Improving access to high-quality inputs is essential for securing India's food future.
New Delhi, Nov 29 (NationPress) The industry holds a critical position in realizing the vision for the Indian agriculture sector by the year 2047. This can be achieved through a focus on green-fuel-based mechanization and the development of gender-neutral farm equipment to alleviate the burden placed on women farmers, stated Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, during a recent event.
At the ‘EIMA Agrimach India 2025’ conference, which was co-hosted by FICCI and the Italian agriculture body FederUnacoma in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Chaturvedi emphasized the need to transition technologies to green fuels, such as electrically powered tractors or machinery utilizing compressed biogas (CBG) produced from rural CBG facilities.
“This shift will not only lower maintenance and operational expenses for farmers but also align with our schemes that aim to prioritize green-fuel technologies. I encourage our Italian partners to engage in collaborations in this sector,” he remarked.
Highlighting the importance of women farmers in achieving the Vision 2047, he urged the industry to adopt gender budgeting practices and to create equipment that is gender-friendly.
Chaturvedi pointed out that the United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers, underscoring the necessity of designing equipment that alleviates their labor burdens.
“Policymakers often mistakenly believe that ‘gender budgeting’ is merely about providing machinery ownership to women; however, this alone does not ease their workload. Women frequently undertake the most challenging farming tasks, and thus we require more gender-friendly tools, whether manual or motorized, that truly lighten their load,” he stressed.
Antonio Bartoli, the Italian Ambassador to India, expressed hopes for the establishment of an agriculture attaché at the Italian Embassy to enhance agricultural cooperation between India and Italy.
Anbalagan P., Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, noted that the substantial participation of farmers, along with a significant presence of both local and international companies, dealers, and distributors, reflects the event's success.
The exhibition, held at the IARI grounds in PUSA, New Delhi from November 27-29, attracted around 20,000 farmers, prominently from regions like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Odisha.
Simona Rapastella, Director General of FEDERUNACOMA, expressed optimism about the future of India-Italy collaboration in agriculture. According to a report by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), the agriculture sector in India was valued at $13.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, reaching $31.6 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of about 9 percent.
Subroto Geed, Co-Chairman of the FICCI National Agriculture Committee and President of South Asia at Corteva Agriscience, emphasized the importance of improving productivity to secure India's food future. “We must ensure that farmers have access to the right resources, such as high-quality seeds and crop solutions, to achieve this goal.”
Point of View
Emphasizing the dual focus on sustainability and gender equality. By prioritizing green technologies and gender-neutral equipment, the Indian government is aligning its agricultural ambitions with global standards, fostering collaboration while empowering women in agriculture. This approach could revolutionize the sector, making it more efficient and inclusive.
NationPress
29/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is green-fuel-based mechanization?
Green-fuel-based mechanization refers to the use of environmentally friendly fuels, such as electricity or compressed biogas, in agricultural machinery to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs.
Why is gender-neutral farm equipment important?
Gender-neutral farm equipment is essential because it aims to reduce the physical strain on women farmers, who often perform the most labor-intensive agricultural tasks, thereby promoting equality in the agricultural workforce.
What is the International Year of Women Farmers?
The UN has designated 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers, highlighting the contributions of women in agriculture and advocating for policies that support their needs and rights.
How does the Indian government support farmers?
The Indian government supports farmers through various schemes that prioritize access to green technologies, financial assistance, and training programs to enhance productivity and sustainability.
What role does international collaboration play in agriculture?
International collaboration can facilitate the exchange of technology, knowledge, and resources, enhancing agricultural practices and sustainability across borders.
