NEW DELHI: Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament from Kurukshetra, addressed the Lok Sabha today, emphasizing the need to elevate Indian farmers into agri-entrepreneurs. He underscored the importance of making agriculture a profitable and globally competitive industry, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat.
Jindal advocated for comprehensive policy reforms, modernization, and expansion of global trade to ensure Indian agriculture meets international benchmarks while securing prosperity for farmers.
Five Pillars of Agricultural Advancement outlining a strategic five-pillar model for holistic agricultural development, Jindal proposed the following:
Enhanced Productivity – Leveraging advanced technology, high-yield crop varieties, and scientific farming techniques to boost agricultural output.
Modern Storage Solutions – Establishing state-of-the-art cold storage units, grain banks, and warehousing facilities to minimize post-harvest wastage.
Efficient Transportation – Strengthening rural connectivity through upgraded roads, logistics, and railway networks for seamless supply chain operations.
Market Access & Fair Pricing – Promoting direct farmer-to-consumer sales via digital platforms and transparent pricing mechanisms to eliminate exploitative middlemen.
Consumer Reach & Quality Assurance – Ensuring that high-quality, affordable agricultural produce reaches households efficiently through streamlined distribution systems.
Expanding India’s Agricultural Footprint Globally
Jindal proposed an innovative strategy of securing farmland abroad for Indian farmers, enabling them to cultivate and export produce globally.
Encouraging government partnerships with foreign nations offering agricultural incentives.
Strengthening India’s food security while expanding its influence in global agricultural markets.
Granting farmers access to larger international markets, improved trade agreements, and foreign investment prospects.
Key Takeaways from Jindal’s Address
Applauded the ₹1.37 lakh crore agriculture budget while pushing for Haryana’s inclusion in PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana.
Stressed the urgency of income security for farmers, noting that their average daily earnings remain below minimum wage levels.
Advocated for enhanced cold storage infrastructure to curb post-harvest losses worth ₹1.5 lakh crore annually.
Endorsed AI-driven farm monitoring, incentives for natural farming, and solar-powered storage solutions.
Called for export-driven reforms and seamless trade policies to make Indian agriculture globally competitive.
Transforming Farmers into Agri-Entrepreneurs
Jindal emphasized that farmers must be redefined as Agri-Entrepreneurs who engage in value addition, international trade, and technological innovations.
“Farmers are the backbone of India’s economy. It is time we empower them as Agri-Entrepreneurs by providing the necessary resources, technology, and policy support. A prosperous farmer ensures a prosperous nation,” he stated.
He reiterated that strengthening the agricultural sector is vital for India’s leadership in food security, rural development, and sustainable economic growth. He urged policymakers to prioritize modernization, financial empowerment, and technological integration in farming.
A Blueprint for Viksit Bharat
Jindal concluded by advocating for transformative reforms in agriculture, ensuring fair pricing, export facilitation, and state-of-the-art infrastructure for farmers. He reaffirmed his dedication to collaborating with policymakers, industry experts, and farmers to position India as a global agricultural powerhouse.
