Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for expanding the role of farmers beyond traditional food production, stressing that they should become key contributors to India’s growing energy sector. Speaking at a public event, Gadkari highlighted the potential of biofuels, ethanol, compressed biogas and other renewable energy initiatives to create new income streams for agricultural communities.

The minister argued that farmers can play a significant role in meeting the country’s energy requirements by supplying agricultural residues and biomass for clean fuel production. According to him, such initiatives would not only strengthen rural economies but also reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Gadkari has consistently advocated the use of alternative fuels as part of India’s broader sustainability strategy. He noted that converting agricultural waste into energy can address multiple challenges simultaneously, including stubble burning, pollution and rural unemployment. The minister also emphasised the importance of innovation and technology in making energy production more accessible to farmers.

Experts believe that integrating agriculture with renewable energy generation could significantly enhance farm incomes while supporting India’s transition towards cleaner energy sources. The government has already introduced policies encouraging ethanol blending, biogas production and biofuel development, creating opportunities for farmers to participate more actively in the country’s evolving energy landscape.