Diplomat C. Rajasekhar calls for revolution in Indian agriculture and food processing at Agro Tech 2026

“Indian agriculture is at a historic turning point, with unprecedented potential to transform the country into a global food and agri-exports powerhouse,” said C Rajasekhar, OSD, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, here on Friday.

Highlighting India’s growing presence in global markets, Rajasekhar while addressing delegates on the second day of Agro Tech 2026, he said a remarkable increase in exports to FDA-compliant countries.. “Earlier, only 22% of Indian exports could enter countries with stringent FDA standards. Today, that number has surged to 70%—more than threefold growth. This represents both a tremendous opportunity for Indian agriculture and a wake-up call. To remain globally competitive, we must enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of our produce,” he added.

Advertisement

Drawing an analogy between human ingenuity and agricultural evolution, Ambassador Rajasekhar added, “Just as humans once relied on skins and hides before learning to cultivate cotton and silk for fine clothing, agriculture too is an art that demands skill, innovation, and optimization. India has the potential to master this art.”

Focusing on Uttar Pradesh, he noted that the state is a national leader in milk production, vegetables, wheat, and a variety of fruits. “The richness of our land is unparalleled, yet several challenges remain. Increasing productivity per hectare, consolidating land holdings, and reducing post-harvest losses are critical to unlocking the full potential of Indian agriculture,” he said.

One of the key challenges he highlighted is post-harvest wastage. “Crops like potatoes, mangoes, and vegetables face significant losses due to inadequate storage, transport, and processing infrastructure. The solution lies in modern food processing—optimizing utilization, extending shelf life, and reducing wastage. By investing in food processing technology, India can ensure that every fruit, vegetable, and grain reaches the table efficiently, safely, and profitably,” Ambassador Rajasekhar said.

He also emphasized the importance of international collaboration. “Countries represented here at Agro Tech 2026 can explore partnerships in agriculture, food processing, and related technologies. There is tremendous scope for learning, innovation, and trade. The time is ripe to create synergies that benefit both Indian producers and global consumers,” he added.
Rajasekhar noted the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, improving supply chains, and promoting food processing industries. “Our goal is not just to produce more, but to ensure that production is efficient, high-quality, and export-ready. By doing so, India can feed its own population and emerge as a major supplier of safe, nutritious, and high-quality food to the world,” he said.

Experts say that India’s agriculture sector, with its vast diversity and productivity potential, is poised for transformation. With proactive measures in productivity enhancement, land consolidation, post-harvest management, and technology-driven food processing, India could significantly reduce wastage, increase farmer incomes, and emerge as a global leader in agri-exports.

Concluding on an optimistic note, Rajasekhar said, “Indian agriculture is not just a sector—it is a canvas of opportunities. With innovation, investment, and international cooperation, we can convert these opportunities into tangible outcomes that benefit farmers, industry, and consumers alike. The journey has begun, and the potential is limitless.”