Bill Gates and Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Discuss AI, Biotechnology, and Rural Development
17 March 2025, New Delhi: In a significant meeting at Krishi Bhawan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, engaged in discussions with Bill Gates, co-founder of the Gates Foundation, on deepening collaboration in digital agriculture, biotechnology, and climate-resilient farming. The dialogue reinforced the growing convergence between India’s agricultural priorities and technological advancements that could redefine rural economies.
Minister Chouhan highlighted India’s commitment to leveraging innovation for agricultural transformation, emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, and precision farming techniques. He acknowledged the Gates Foundation’s role in supporting these initiatives, particularly through technical expertise in digital agriculture and agricultural credit, and stressed the immense potential for future cooperation.
Bill Gates commended India’s agricultural research and technological advancements, asserting that the country’s best practices could serve as a model for global agricultural progress. He acknowledged the strategic importance of India’s work in sustainable farming, climate-adaptive crops, and digital farming solutions, which could have far-reaching implications for food security worldwide.
The discussions also touched upon India’s efforts to develop climate-resilient and biofortified crop varieties, with over 2,900 varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), of which 85% are climate-resistant. The potential for deeper collaboration between ICAR and the Gates Foundation was recognized, particularly in advancing research on crop resilience and precision agriculture.
Minister Chouhan reiterated India’s broader commitment to global welfare, referencing the country’s long-standing ethos of inclusive development. He emphasized that India’s experience in managing large-scale agricultural programs, such as direct benefit transfers to 110 million farmers and the world’s largest multi-risk crop insurance scheme, positions it as a key player in global agricultural innovation.
The meeting also acknowledged the Gates Foundation’s contributions to India’s G-20 discussions and its continued engagement with ministries in strengthening digital agriculture frameworks. As India accelerates investments in agritech and rural development, the dialogue reinforced the shared vision of fostering innovation-driven, inclusive agricultural growth.
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