New Delhi [India], August 13: Sustainability Matters and IndiAgri, organisers of the 2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards 2025, have emphasised that India’s ambition to become the world’s largest economy by 2047 will only succeed if farmers are placed at the heart of its growth strategy. Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Ramdas Athawale asserted that the nation’s growth story must be rooted in the progress of its farmers and the adoption of sustainable agriculture. Speaking at the national conference in Delhi, he said that keeping farmers at the centre of economic transformation will be essential for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit brought together progressive farmers, senior bureaucrats, industry leaders, scientists, and development practitioners from across the country to explore pathways towards climate-resilient, inclusive, and farmer-focused growth. Discussions underscored that agricultural transformation is not merely about increasing yields, but about ensuring economic resilience, environmental balance, and rural prosperity.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Jayadev Sarangi, IAS (Retd), former secretary in the Governments of Delhi and Goa, stressed that agriculture today must be seen as a central pillar of economic policy rather than solely as a means of food security. “Every investment in sustainable agriculture strengthens national stability and enhances global competitiveness,” he said.

Speakers pointed to financing as a crucial driver of transformation. While India’s agricultural credit flow surpassed ₹20 lakh crore in FY2024, the majority remains concentrated in short-term crop loans rather than in building long-term, climate-resilient infrastructure. Manoj Kumar Dubey, CMD of Indian Railway Finance Corporation, called for stronger partnerships between public and private sectors to unlock capital for farmer-centric, green innovations. “Financing climate-smart agriculture is an investment in India’s economic future,” he asserted.

Highlighting the role of innovative crop diversification, Ms Deepshikha, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepur, shared her experience from Ferozepur, Punjab. She said the district is boosting farmer welfare by promoting chilli cultivation between paddy and wheat cycles. “This diversification has improved incomes, enhanced soil health, and reduced environmental stress,” she noted.

She was among five bureaucrats honoured for their district-level sustainable initiatives, alongside Ravi Anand, IAS, Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate, Jamtara; Pamela Satpathy, IAS, District Collector, Karimnagar; Hari Chandana, IAS, District Collector, Hyderabad; and Himanshu Nagpal, IAS, Chief Development Officer, Varanasi.

Such initiatives, panellists agreed, have the greatest impact when they are backed by strong market linkages and opportunities for rural entrepreneurship, enabling farmers to move up the value chain and capture more profit beyond the farmgate.

From an industry perspective, Dr Rajendra Prasad, General Manager & Regional Head of SIDBI, stressed that micro, small, and medium enterprises in the agri-ecosystem are vital for scaling sustainable solutions. “Farmer empowerment is intrinsically linked to strengthening rural enterprises,” he said.

On the innovation front, Dr Vimala Prakash, Head of the Technology Innovation Center at IPL Biologicals, pointed out that science-led solutions are bridging the gap between on-ground needs and sustainable outcomes. “Biologicals, precision tools, and data-driven practices can transform Indian agriculture into a global benchmark,” she said.

According to Dr Navneet Anand, Executive Director of Sustainability Matters, the summit is an integral part of the Krishi 2047 mission. “Our aim is to document what’s working on the ground and build a platform for dialogue, recognition, and policy linkages that can take these models national,” he explained. The mission envisions agriculture as a growth catalyst, positioning farmers as key players in the journey towards a developed India.

The awards ceremony celebrated individuals and organisations making exceptional contributions to sustainable farming and rural development. Honourees included Godrej Agrovet, IPL Biologicals, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), SeedWorks International, Bihar Agricultural University, Love Kumar (Jamtara), ATMA Bhagalpur, Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation, Dhaksha, and the Federation of Seed Industry of India.

The summit concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders: India’s agricultural future must combine innovation, financing, grassroots leadership, and market-driven opportunities to empower farmers. By placing rural communities at the heart of its development model, India can ensure that its path to becoming the world’s largest economy by 2047 is both inclusive and sustainable.

(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR