Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla emphasized the critical role of agriculture in India’s development journey while inaugurating a two-day National Conference on “Sustainable Agriculture for Viksit Bharat @2047: Tradition, Technology and Tangible Outcomes” at the ICAR National Agricultural Science Centre in New Delhi. The conference is being jointly organized by the Akhil Bhartiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The event has brought together scientists, researchers, academicians, policymakers, and agricultural experts from across the country to discuss the future of Indian agriculture. Strong Farmers Mean a Strong Nation: Om Birla Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Shri Om Birla stated that the strength of the nation is directly linked to the prosperity of its farmers. “The stronger the farmer, the stronger the nation economically and socially,” he said while highlighting the importance of agriculture in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He noted that transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 requires collective efforts from scientists, researchers, teachers, social organizations, policymakers, and citizens. According to him, national progress can be accelerated when all stakeholders contribute to building a shared roadmap for development. Agriculture Central to India’s Growth Story Shri Birla described agriculture as one of the most important pillars of India’s economy and cultural heritage. He observed that Indian civilization has deep roots in agriculture and that the sector continues to play a central role in rural livelihoods and economic growth. He stressed that improving farmers’ living standards and strengthening rural economies are essential for achieving long-term national development goals. According to the Lok Sabha Speaker, agriculture is not merely an economic activity but also an integral part of India’s social and cultural identity. Therefore, policies aimed at strengthening the farming sector will have a direct impact on the country’s overall development. Combining Tradition with Modern Technology A key theme of the conference was the need to integrate traditional agricultural knowledge with modern scientific innovations. Shri Birla emphasized that sustainable and resilient agriculture can be achieved only through a balanced approach that combines age-old farming practices with advanced technologies. Such integration, he said, would help improve productivity, reduce costs, and ensure environmental sustainability. He expressed confidence that discussions during the two-day conference would generate practical recommendations for strengthening the agricultural sector and supporting India’s development goals. Experts Discuss Future Challenges in Agriculture The conference witnessed participation from several distinguished personalities from the fields of education, agricultural research, and public policy. Among those present were Prof. Narayan Lal Gupta, National President of ABRSM; Dr. R. K. Singh, Assistant Director General (Extension), ICAR; Prof. Geeta Bhatt, National General Secretary of ABRSM; Prof. Gurdev Chand, Head of Plant Physiology at SKUAST-Jammu; and other senior representatives from academic and research institutions. During his address, Dr. R. K. Singh highlighted ICAR’s ongoing efforts to develop innovative agricultural solutions for farmers. He informed participants that ICAR is currently working on research and development related to more than 100 innovations that are expected to benefit farmers across the country. These innovations aim to improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience in agriculture. Climate Change and Sustainability Take Center Stage Prof. Narayan Lal Gupta focused on the challenges posed by climate change and the need for sustainable farming practices. He identified issues such as water conservation, fertilizer management, soil health, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience as major priorities for the agricultural sector. Prof. Gupta emphasized that young people must play an active role in addressing these challenges and shaping the future of Indian agriculture. He called for greater engagement of the younger generation in agricultural innovation and sustainability initiatives. National Platform for Agricultural Transformation The conference serves as an important platform for dialogue on the future of agriculture in India. Experts from universities, research institutions, and policy organizations are expected to deliberate on practical solutions that can support farmers while ensuring environmental sustainability. Participants will explore strategies for adopting new technologies, improving agricultural productivity, conserving natural resources, and enhancing rural prosperity. The discussions are also expected to contribute to policy recommendations aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Towards a Sustainable Agricultural Future The inaugural session concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture through innovation, research, and collaboration. As India prepares for the challenges and opportunities of the coming decades, experts at the conference agreed that agriculture will remain a cornerstone of national development. By combining traditional wisdom with modern technology, India aims to build a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural system capable of supporting the vision of a developed nation by 2047. Pls Read : Nehru and Modi’s Role in Building Modern India Post navigation National Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Higher Education Held at JNU, Experts Discuss Future of Digital Learning