Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, that farmers need to also become providers of energy, fuel and hydrogen, as the government seeks to diversify rural incomes and reduce the country’s dependence on imports.
Addressing the last day gathering of the three-day national agriculture festival “Unnat Krishi Mahotsav” in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, which is part of the Lok Sabha constituency of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Gadkari said agricultural residues, biomass, ethanol, compressed bio-gas (CBG) and hydrogen present untapped income opportunities for the farmers.
Gadkari emphasised that the future of agriculture is closely linked with technologies such as artificial intelligence, weather stations, satellite-based systems, drones, and nano urea. He urged farmers to adapt to these changes. He stated that knowledge is the greatest strength, and converting knowledge into wealth is the most important need in agriculture today. He encouraged farmers to adopt innovation, research, and technology-driven practices to increase productivity while reducing costs.
Gadkari presented a broad vision for road development, modern agricultural technologies, water conservation, alternative energy, and rural prosperity, while Chouhan reiterated his firm commitment to implementing the “seed-to-market” agricultural roadmap at the ground level, according to a statement released by the agriculture ministry.
He also highlighted that farmers will not remain only food providers but will increasingly become energy, fuel, aviation fuel, bitumen, and hydrogen providers. Agricultural residues, biomass, ethanol, CNG, and hydrogen will open new income opportunities, reduce imports, and strengthen rural economies.
Emphasising on water conservation, he said that flowing water must be slowed, stored, and allowed to recharge the ground. “Village water should remain in the village, farm water in the farm, and household water in the household,” he said stressing the need to conserve water like financial savings. He added that in areas where irrigation cannot reach directly, water conservation structures can play a vital role.
He also identified dairy, fisheries, and the blue economy as key sectors for increasing farmers’ income. He underlined that increasing production alone is not enough; strong systems for processing, cold storage, pre-cooling, and value addition are essential. “Without these, excess production leads to falling prices, causing losses to farmers. Proper storage and processing infrastructure can help ensure better returns,” he added.
He appreciated the agricultural achievements of Madhya Pradesh during the tenure of Chouhan as Chief Minister.
The mela featured demonstrations of polyhouses, greenhouses, hydroponic farming, drone technology and one-acre farming models aimed at exposing farmers to modern agricultural practices.
Published on April 13, 2026