Dr. Jitendra Singh Urges Tech Shift in Agriculture

In a strong appeal to transform Indian agriculture, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh—who holds multiple key portfolios including Science and Technology and the Prime Minister’s Office—called for a paradigm shift through the adoption of advanced technologies in farming. He made these remarks while addressing the 96th Annual General Meeting of the ICAR Society at the NASC Complex in New Delhi.

The event, chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, witnessed the participation of key Union and state ministers, prominent scientists, senior officials from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and various stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain.

A Technology-First Approach for Agriculture

In his keynote address, Dr. Singh emphasized that the future of Indian agriculture lies in rapid adoption and integration of technology, not in its availability. “Every technology available globally is now within reach in India. The real issue is how quickly we embrace it and make it work for our farmers,” he said.

He cautioned against both mental and institutional inertia, emphasizing that the real issue is not merely a lack of awareness, but that many are unaware of their unawareness. Numerous stakeholders in the agriculture sector remain disconnected from modern advancements. While the past eleven years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership have brought significant technological strides in agriculture, their adoption at the grassroots level remains insufficient.

Success Stories: Lavender, Tulips, and Beyond

To illustrate the transformative power of science-led farming, Dr. Singh cited the Lavender Revolution in Jammu and Kashmir. “Over 3,500 startups have emerged around lavender cultivation in Bhaderwah. These ventures are proving how science and strategy can combine to deliver innovation and income,” he said.

He further spotlighted emerging success models such as off-season tulip farming for religious offerings and order-based crop production that leverages satellite imaging and AI-powered planning. These developments, he said, are reshaping India’s agricultural narrative.

From Labs to Farms: Bridging the Gap

Dr. Singh highlighted landmark achievements from Indian science, including biotech-driven cotton varieties that resist pests—developed by the Department of Biotechnology, and radiation-based food preservation techniques pioneered by the Department of Atomic Energy. “These are not abstract innovations. These are the reasons why Indian mangoes are now being exported to the U.S., yet many states have not tapped into these opportunities,” he said.

He warned that without robust bridges between research and real-world application, these innovations will remain underutilized. “Our biggest challenge isn’t lack of technology—it’s the lack of connectedness between those who develop it and those who need it,” Dr. Singh stated.

Cross-Ministerial Collaboration and Institutional Synergy

Calling for greater collaboration between ministries and institutions, Dr. Singh proposed creating working groups and informal communication channels for real-time problem-solving and innovation sharing. “We should not wait for the next AGM to discuss transformative ideas. Let’s act in the moment,” he urged.

He lauded experimental efforts in marine agriculture, and the non-traditional cultivation of mangoes in Manipur and apples in Andhra Pradesh, as examples of how science is redrawing India’s agricultural map. “These are not just experiments—they are templates for the future,” he said.

Publications, Reports, and Renewed Vision

The meeting also saw the release of key ICAR publications, including reports on the Council’s performance, achievements, and financial overview. The scientific community reaffirmed its commitment to building a more resilient, science-driven agricultural ecosystem.

Concluding his speech, Dr. Singh called for urgency and collaboration: “The time to act is now. Let us break the silos, connect knowledge to practice, and ensure that every farmer benefits from India’s scientific edge.”

The AGM ended with a vote of thanks, encapsulating a shared vision of technological empowerment, collaborative governance, and inclusive growth in Indian agriculture.