Experts at the CII Summit spoke of the need to push agriculture towards $1 trillion before the economy touches $10 trillion by 2047.

Acceleration in the agriculture sector would not be complete without India's quest to emerge as a $10 trillion economy by 2047. According to industry experts at the CII Northern Region Agri Inputs Summit, agriculture needs to grow from about $450 billion now to $1 trillion in order to contribute toward the economic vision of India. With almost 46% of India's population dependent on agriculture, the share of this sector in GDP remains close to 15%, indicating an imperative need for policy reforms and technology adoption besides more investments.

Technology and policy reforms can power the next Green Revolution in India.

Ajay Rana, chairman of the CII Northern Regional Committee on Agriculture and also head of the Federation of Seed Industry of India, said scientific innovation has already demonstrated transformative impact. Adoption of hybrid maize seed has for instance jumped from 15-20% to almost 90% in the last two decades, proof that technology-driven policy can multiply farm productivity. For the full realization of agriculture's potential, he went on to say, widespread adoption of technology, modern agri-inputs, and farmer-centric innovation would be required.

India needs clear, consistent, science-based agri policies

The summit saw demands for predictable and science-based regulatory frameworks from various participants. Rana also proposed a National Agricultural Technology Council to ensure harmonisation of policies between Centre and states on time-bound approvals on seeds, crop protection products, and new farming technologies. Inconsistent state regulations, coupled with sudden bans, discourage private investment in this sector, leading to slow innovation in agri-inputs, experts said. Four Pillars of Rural Growth: “Seed to Market” Strategy Emphasising adherence to the government's vision of "Seed to Market" in enhancing rural resilience, speakers outlined four pillars to agricultural empowerment-seed, insurance, credit (bank), and market access-which would, over time, empower farmers to be more productive, reduce their risk, and have better income stability. Agri-Input Sector Could Double to $120 Billion Long-term policy reforms could double the value of the agri-input industry from $60 billion to $120 billion, increase exports, and make agriculture a core driver of national growth, say experts.