Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday said India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 passes through its farms, fields and villages, asserting that sustainable agriculture, innovation and research will form the foundation of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day National Conference on “Sustainable Agriculture for Viksit Bharat@2047: Tradition, Technology and Tangible Outcomes” in New Delhi, Birla said agriculture is not merely an economic activity in India but an integral part of the country’s culture, civilisation and way of life.
The conference was organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
“India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047 passes through its farms, fields and villages,” Birla said, adding that the country can emerge as a global leader in agriculture by effectively combining traditional knowledge with modern technology.
Highlighting the role of the agriculture sector in nation-building, the Lok Sabha Speaker said farming would remain central to the vision of a developed India by ensuring food security, rural prosperity, social harmony and inclusive growth.
“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 said.
Referring to the challenges posed by climate change and changing global conditions, Birla stressed the need for science-driven, research-backed and innovation-led agricultural practices. He said integrating traditional wisdom with advanced technologies would help create a farming ecosystem that is sustainable, profitable and resilient.
The Speaker identified agricultural universities, research institutions, scientists and innovators as key stakeholders in shaping the future of Indian agriculture. He noted that emerging technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital farming are making agriculture more precise, efficient and productive.
He also underlined the importance of expanding agro-based industries, food processing units and agri-startups to generate rural employment opportunities and improve farmers’ incomes.
Drawing attention to environmental sustainability, Birla emphasised the need for water conservation, micro-irrigation, soil health management, quality seeds, efficient fertiliser use and climate-resilient crop varieties. He lauded the efforts of ICAR and the scientific community in developing solutions to strengthen agricultural productivity and sustainability.
The Lok Sabha Speaker further said that the energy of youth, leadership of women and grassroots innovations would play a crucial role in transforming the rural economy. He called upon teachers, scientists, researchers, policymakers and farmers to work together in building self-reliant agricultural models that support long-term growth and prosperity.
Describing the conference as a reflection of the country’s collective intellectual strength, Birla expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute to strengthening agricultural education, promoting sustainable farming practices and improving the lives of farmers.
“The vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 can only be realised through the collective efforts of citizens, educational institutions, social organisations and policymakers,” he said.
