Shivraj Singh and Bill Gates Discuss Agriculture and Rural Development in Delhi Meeting

Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, met with Bill Gates of the Gates Foundation at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, today. The meeting focused on key issues related to agriculture and rural development, with both leaders expressing commitment to collaborative efforts for global welfare.

During the discussion, Minister Chouhan highlighted India’s progress in agriculture, food security, women’s empowerment, technological innovation, and rural development. He expressed gratitude for the Gates Foundation’s commitment and emphasized the vast potential for deepening partnerships, particularly in digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate-resilient farming.

“Our Livelihood Mission has become a movement for women’s empowerment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, transforming millions of lives,” Chouhan stated. Bill Gates praised India’s agricultural research, noting that advancements in the sector could benefit the entire world.

Minister Chouhan reiterated India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), underscoring the nation’s dedication to global welfare. “India believes in ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah’ and the principle that there is no greater duty than serving others. We are committed to working with the Gates Foundation and global partners to foster inclusive development, technological innovations, and the eradication of hunger and poverty worldwide,” he said.

Gates acknowledged India’s leadership in agricultural research, stating, “The advancements happening in India’s agriculture sector are of exceptional quality and can greatly benefit the world.” Minister Chouhan responded that India is eager to share its best practices globally.

The Union Minister also appreciated the Gates Foundation’s contributions to India’s agricultural and rural development ministries, particularly in providing technical expertise in digital agriculture and credit systems. “Your work in health, nutrition, and poverty alleviation is commendable, positively impacting millions of lives,” he added.

Over the past decade, India has achieved historic milestones in poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, and agricultural development under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. The country has emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies, with projections indicating continued economic expansion in the coming years. Chouhan also highlighted India’s efficient management capabilities, citing the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, where 660 million pilgrims participated over 45 days.

The discussion also covered India’s agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of its economy. Despite having less than 4% of the world’s agricultural land and freshwater resources, India provides food security to 18% of the global population and 15% of livestock. The nation leads in the production of millets, spices, milk, and pulses, and ranks second in rice, wheat, fruits, and vegetables. To enhance nutrition security, India is promoting climate-resilient and sustainable farming techniques, including natural and organic farming.

Chouhan emphasized that agriculture is a top priority for the Indian government, with over 10-11% of the annual budget—amounting to ₹5 lakh crore—allocated to the sector. The government is also leveraging technology to transform agriculture, with initiatives like the revolutionary AgriStack digital public infrastructure. “We have successfully transferred financial aid directly to the bank accounts of 110 million farmers with a single click. The PM Fasal Bima Yojana, the world’s largest multi-risk crop insurance scheme, is now settling claims online using satellite imagery, automated weather data, and AI-driven analytics,” he added.

Minister Chouhan also stressed the importance of AI-driven collaborations with the Gates Foundation in agricultural technology. “Future food security depends on climate-resistant and biofortified crop varieties. ICAR has already developed over 2,900 crop varieties, with 85% being climate-resilient and 179 biofortified. The Gates Foundation is working with ICAR, and we see significant potential for further collaboration,” he stated.

The Gates Foundation’s partnership with India’s Ministry of Rural Development was also acknowledged, particularly in strengthening model cluster-level federations. The discussion covered various aspects, including increasing agricultural productivity, digital extension systems, precision farming, food and nutrition security, inclusive livelihood programs, initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi, advanced livestock vaccines, and global cooperation in agriculture and rural development.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together for sustainable development. The meeting was attended by Union Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, Union Rural Development Secretary Shailesh Singh, ICAR officials, and senior representatives from the Gates Foundation, including Hari Menon and Alkesh Adwani.