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Speaking to CNBC-TV18 at the India Business Leaders Awards (IBLA), Gadkari emphasised the need to focus on rural and tribal India, which he sees as holding untapped potential for economic development. Despite agriculture supporting 65% of the population, it contributes only 14% to the GDP.
To address this imbalance, Gadkari advocated for the integration of innovation, technology, and diversification into the agricultural sector.
“I always tell farmers—innovation, entrepreneurship, science, technology, research, skills, and rural technology are the future. Converting knowledge into wealth is key,” Gadkari said.
The Union Minister also highlighted the importance of shifting agriculture towards energy and power sectors to reduce India’s annual ₹22 lakh crore fossil fuel import bill. Reinvesting these savings into rural development, he believes, could double agriculture’s contribution to GDP, boosting purchasing power in rural and tribal areas.
While acknowledging the role of government expenditure, Gadkari underscored the necessity of increased private sector involvement.
“Government money alone is not enough. We need public-private investment and the best global practices and technology to uplift rural India,” he asserted.
Despite the current slowdown, Gadkari expressed optimism about an economic recovery in the coming quarters.
He confirmed that government capital expenditure (capex) would accelerate by the end of the financial year and noted that his department’s ₹2.8 lakh crore budget would ensure infrastructure projects—particularly in highways and roads—meet their targets before March 2025.
(Edited by : Ajay Vaishnav)
