Turning agriculture into an engine of prosperity

Recently, I visited a friend’s farm where he has spent years developing an organic and natural farming enterprise.

- Ajay Khanna

Through sustainable practices, careful breeding, and chemical-free inputs, he produces high-quality farm products that meet global standards. His produce is pure, traceable, and responsibly grown. Yet, despite this commitment, he struggles to scale. The reason is limited access to reliable markets. He lacks strong links to organised retail, export channels, and professional branding platforms. Organic farming involves higher costs than conventional production, but he cannot consistently secure premium prices. His experience reflects a broader challenge in Indian agriculture. While there is dedication and quality at the farm level, existing systems to connect farmers to value and consumers are weak.

Every major trade agreement that India negotiates carries a significant agricultural dimension, reflecting how closely farming is linked to economic strategy, food security, and political stability. Industry estimates suggest that the global agri-food market — covering farming, food processing, logistics, retail, and exports—is worth over $8 trillion. Despite being one of the world’s largest producers of agricultural commodities, India accounts for only about 2.5-3% of global agricultural trade. This gap highlights the scale of opportunity that remains untapped.