Shivraj and Bill Gates discussed on various topics related to agricultural and rural development

Chouhan told Gates that in a decade India has achieved great achievements in poverty alleviation, women empowerment, and the agriculture sector. India has emerged as a country with a fast-growing economy. The pace of development will continue. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. India's annual growth in the agricultural sector has been more than four percent in a decade.

Global agricultural land and clean water resources are less than four percent. Yet India provides food security to 18 percent of the world's human population and 15 percent of livestock. Chauhan said that agriculture is among our top priorities. We are the largest producer of millet, spices, milk, and pulses and the second largest producer of rice-wheat, fruits, and vegetables.

Climate-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices are being promoted. India spends 10-11 percent of the total budget on agriculture and related sectors, which is more than five lakh crores. Technology is being given priority in agriculture. The amount is transferred to the accounts of 11 crore farmers in one click.

He said that we expect technical cooperation in artificial intelligence and are willing to work in this direction with the Gates Foundation. Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, Rural Development Secretary Shailesh Singh, and many other officials and representatives of the Gates Foundation were present at the meeting.