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At a major event hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi, Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal laid out a transformative vision for Indian agriculture. He advocated transitioning from traditional practices towards climate-resilient irrigation, smart food processing, and globally competitive exports. With aspirations to raise agri-exports from INR 4 lakh crore to INR 20 lakh crore, he emphasised collaboration between the government, industry, and farmers to make agriculture central to India's USD 5 trillion economy. The session reinforced the strategic value of technology, branding, and sustainable farming in building a future-ready agri-sector.
As part of its centenary celebrations, the Indian Chamber of Commerce organised the Krishi Vikram conclave in New Delhi, focusing on the transformation of agriculture to build a secure and economically advanced India. During the keynote address, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal presented an ambitious vision that places agriculture at the forefront of India's aspiration to become a USD 5 trillion economy. Advertisement
Speaking before a cross-section of stakeholders-policymakers, farmer groups, agri-entrepreneurs, and industry representatives-Goyal highlighted the importance of integrating modern tools and sustainable practices into India's largely rain-fed agricultural system. He said that strategic efforts such as widespread adoption of drip irrigation, natural farming methods, resilient supply chains, and advanced food processing technologies could make Indian agriculture not just self-sufficient but also globally competitive. According to him, India holds the potential to scale its agri-export capacity fivefold-from the current INR 4 lakh crore to INR 20 lakh crore-by focusing on both productivity and value addition.
The Minister stated that for irrigation to become more than just a yield-booster, it must evolve into a financially viable option that enhances farmer earnings and strengthens India's processed food exports. He described this shift not merely as policy reform, but as a national movement that aligns climate resilience with economic growth.
He further elaborated that empowering farmers through technology, robust infrastructure, and improved access to markets is essential for agricultural transformation. He noted that tools like energy-efficient pumps not only cut costs and water use but also reduce upkeep, and that their synergy with drip irrigation can yield exponential results. The government, he said, remained committed to developing farmer skills, increasing income levels, and widening the international footprint of India's produce-from fruits and vegetables to niche segments like high-value horticulture.
Goyal also cited specific export success stories across categories such as lychees, coffee, spices, and millets as proof of India's growing reputation in global agricultural markets. He urged stakeholders to broaden their vision, work collaboratively, and treat agriculture as a powerful driver of India's economic trajectory.
Abhyuday Jindal, President of ICC and Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, endorsed this roadmap. He remarked that agriculture will be pivotal to India's economic leap forward, especially when bolstered by technology, trade channels, and mutual trust between stakeholders. He referred to Goyal's strategy as a clear and inclusive blueprint for Viksit Bharat.
In addition to policy discussions, the event focused on unlocking the potential of agri-entrepreneurship, enhancing value chain linkages, and preparing rural youth for skilled roles within high-value agriculture. Given that over 60% of India's population still relies on agriculture for livelihood, the consensus was clear: the sector's transformation is not just critical to economic planning but central to India's national development agenda.
By stressing irrigation reforms, technological interventions, and robust export strategies, he offered a holistic path to reimagine Indian agriculture. The emphasis was not on incremental tweaks but a complete structural reorientation-positioning the sector as a foundation for Viksit Bharat. With leadership alignment, industry support, and farmer participation, this vision holds the promise to transform India's agri-potential into a global economic force.
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