India and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are set to expand their collaboration in critical areas such as agriculture, rural development, food security, artificial intelligence, and technology exchange. This deepening partnership was announced by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, following a meeting with Bill Gates in New Delhi.
The collaboration aims to leverage technology and innovation to address persistent challenges in agriculture, including climate change and resource constraints. The Gates Foundation has been actively involved in India, focusing on digital agriculture, biotechnology, and climate-resilient farming. The expanded partnership will build on these initiatives, with a particular emphasis on AI-driven agriculture, agri-fintech, and climate-smart technologies.
India’s agricultural sector has shown remarkable growth, maintaining an average annual growth rate of over 4% in the past decade. Despite having less than 4% of the world’s agricultural land and freshwater resources, India feeds 18% of the global population and supports 15% of its livestock. The country is a leading producer of millets, spices, milk, and pulses, and ranks second in the production of rice, wheat, and fruits and vegetables.
The government’s commitment to agriculture is evident in its budget allocations, with 10-11% of the annual budget dedicated to agriculture and related sectors. A key component of India’s agri-tech transformation is the development of digital public infrastructure, such as the AgriStack initiative. This initiative aims to drive data-driven decision-making and financial inclusion for farmers, ensuring that technological advancements benefit those at the grassroots level.
Chouhan highlighted the potential for knowledge exchange and global collaboration, stating that India is eager to share its best practices with the world. The Gates Foundation’s contributions during India’s G20 presidency, particularly in digital agriculture and agricultural credit, underscore the value of international partnerships in driving agricultural progress.
The expanded partnership with the Gates Foundation is expected to enhance India’s efforts in promoting climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices. By focusing on natural and organic agriculture, India aims to build a hunger-free, empowered, and self-reliant world through innovation and inclusive development. The collaboration will also support India’s goal of becoming a global leader in agri-tech, leveraging technology to address food security challenges and drive agricultural growth.
