Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday attributed the agrarian distress in India, which has driven thousands of farmers to suicide, to the “global economy run on the principle of demand and supply”, news agency PTI reported.
Speaking at a rally in poll-bound Supaul District of Bihar, the former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President was canvassing for Bijendra Yadav, a senior minister in the Nitish Kumar Government and a veteran Janata Dal (United) leader.
“We are faced with a situation where cotton is cheap, but clothes are expensive. Fruits like oranges and apples are sold at low prices, while juices are costly. We are part of a global economy where prices are dictated by demand and supply,” said the Member of Parliament (MP) Nagpur.
The Union Road Transport and Highways Minister, who emphasised that “my heart lies in agriculture,” acknowledged that farmers’ economic conditions are not as strong as they should be, PTI reported.
“In my constituency alone, 10,000 farmers have committed suicide. But technology provides a way forward. This is what we aim to achieve through the Agro Vision initiative,” he added.
Gadkari also highlighted his credentials in agriculture, noting that he has received 14 honorary D Litts, seven of which were awarded for contributions to the sector.
“When I speak about agriculture, please consider my experience and the recognition I have received,” he said.
He outlined a vision for technological innovations to transform farmers from mere “annadata (food providers)” to “urjadata (energy providers)” and “indhan-data (fuel providers)”. Gadkari detailed how ethanol production has enabled the utilisation of surplus food grains.
“Corn, which previously had a market value of Rs 1,200 per quintal, now fetches Rs 2,800 due to ethanol production. Earlier, corn prices were stagnant. In our global economy, corn prices are influenced by the US, soya bean by Argentina, and sugar and palm oil by Brazil and Malaysia,” he said.
Referring to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” Gadkari added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has added ‘Jai Anusandhan’ – hail innovation.”
He noted that vehicles in the country now run on ethanol produced from sugarcane waste, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to petrol and diesel.
Gadkari also recalled his role in laying the foundation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana during the Vajpayee government.
“Had the people not voted for us, Narendra Modi would not have become Prime Minister, nor would I have secured a cabinet berth,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)