India’s development journey runs through villages and farms, says LS Speaker Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday said India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 will be realised through the strength of its villages, farmers and agricultural sector, stressing that sustainable agriculture, innovation and research will form the foundation of the country’s long-term growth.

Addressing the inaugural session of a two-day national conference on “Sustainable Agriculture for Viksit Bharat@2047: Tradition, Technology and Tangible Outcomes” in New Delhi, Birla said the integration of traditional agricultural wisdom with modern technology would position India as a global leader in agriculture.

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‎“India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047 passes through its farms, fields and villages,” Birla said. “Sustainable agriculture, innovation and research form the bedrock of Viksit Bharat@2047, and the synergy of tradition and technology will enable India to emerge as a global agricultural leader.”

‎The conference was organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

‎Highlighting the central role of agriculture in India’s development story, Birla said farming is not merely an economic activity but an integral part of the nation’s culture, civilisation and way of life. He noted that agriculture would remain critical to 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, the Lok Sabha Speaker called for greater emphasis on science-driven and research-backed agricultural practices. He stressed the need to build a farming ecosystem that is sustainable, resilient and profitable by combining time-tested traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technologies.

‎Birla identified agricultural universities, research institutions, scientists and innovators as key pillars in shaping the future of Indian agriculture. He observed that emerging technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital farming are transforming the sector by improving precision and productivity.

‎He also underlined the importance of expanding agro-based industries, food processing units and agri-startups to generate rural employment and improve farmers’ incomes. According to him, strengthening the agricultural value chain will be crucial for accelerating rural development and achieving self-reliance.

‎Addressing environmental concerns, Birla highlighted the need for water conservation, efficient micro-irrigation systems, soil health management, quality seed production, balanced fertiliser use and the development of climate-resilient crop varieties. He praised the efforts of ICAR and the scientific community in developing solutions aimed at boosting agricultural productivity while ensuring sustainability.

The Speaker further said that the energy of youth, the leadership of women and grassroots-level innovation would play a decisive role in driving the rural economy in the coming decades. He urged teachers, scientists, researchers, policymakers and farmers to work together in developing self-reliant agricultural models capable of delivering long-term prosperity.

‎Describing the conference as a reflection of the nation’s collective intellectual strength, Birla said the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 could only be achieved through the combined efforts of citizens, educational institutions, social organisations and policymakers.

Expressing confidence in the outcome of the deliberations, he said discussions over the next two days would contribute significantly to strengthening agricultural education and promoting sustainable farming practices. “The outcomes of this conference will help transform the lives of farmers and accelerate India’s journey towards self-reliance and developed nation status,” he said.

‎The conference comes as India intensifies efforts to modernise its agricultural sector while balancing productivity, sustainability and climate resilience, key priorities in the government’s roadmap for achieving the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047.