Speaking at an event at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stressed the need to cut imports and boost exports by developing indigenous, proven and economically viable technologies. He highlighted diversification of agriculture towards energy and alternative fuels as key to raising farmers’ incomes and reducing fossil fuel imports. Gadkari said surplus crops like rice, wheat and maize can power biofuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and green hydrogen, generating jobs and growth. Citing ethanol production from maize and bamboo, he said such initiatives have directly benefited farmers and strengthened India’s economy through innovation-driven, sustainable development.