New Delhi, July 10, 2025: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), as part of its centenary celebrations, hosted Krishi Vikram – Transforming Agriculture for a Secure Future of Viksit Bharat in New Delhi today. The event witnessed a compelling keynote address by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, who laid out a bold and holistic vision to position agriculture at the heart of India’s $5 trillion economic ambition.
Addressing a diverse audience of policymakers, industry leaders, farmer collectives, and agri-entrepreneurs, Shri Goyal said, “By embracing drip irrigation, natural farming, resilient supply chains, and smart food processing, we have a real opportunity to make Indian agriculture self-reliant and globally competitive. With focused investments, innovation, and public-private collaboration, we can scale our agri-exports from ₹4 lakh crore to ₹20 lakh crore. As a rain-fed agrarian economy, India must make irrigation an economically viable solution for farmers — not just to boost productivity but also to fuel our processed food exports. This is how we transform agriculture into a powerful engine of Viksit Bharat.”
The Minister emphasized a multi-pronged approach to agri-reform—calling for a mass movement around climate-resilient irrigation, energy-efficient farming, high-value exports, packaging and branding, and technology-enabled natural and organic farming. Highlighting India’s rising global footprint in the sector, he cited export success stories from lychees to spices, coffee, and millets, and encouraged stakeholders to think bigger and work as a team to unlock the untapped potential of India’s agri-economy.
He further added, “To truly transform Indian agriculture, we must equip our farmers with advanced technology, sustainable infrastructure, and seamless access to markets. Imagine the impact of energy-efficient pumps—reducing costs, conserving water, and minimizing maintenance. When paired with drip irrigation, the benefits multiply. Our government remains firmly committed to enhancing farmer incomes, building skills, and expanding the global footprint of India’s rich produce—from fruits to high-value horticulture. It’s time to elevate local to global and make agriculture the cornerstone of a prosperous country.”
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Mr. Abhyuday Jindal, President, ICC and Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, remarked:
“Agriculture will be the driving force of India’s journey to a $5 trillion economy—linking farmers to global markets through tech, trade, and trust. In Shri Piyush Goyal’s vision, we find the blueprint for an inclusive, export-oriented Viksit Bharat.”
The event also focused on the growing role of agri-entrepreneurship, value chain integration, and reskilling rural youth for modern, high-value agri-jobs. With over 60% of India’s population still dependent on agriculture, the message was clear: transforming Indian agriculture is not just an economic imperative, but a national priority.