New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for a paradigm shift in India’s approach to food and agriculture, urging scientists and policymakers to move beyond the goal of “food security” towards achieving true “nutrition security.” Addressing the inaugural session of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, Modi said that while India has successfully transformed itself from a food-deficit to a food-surplus nation, the next major challenge lies in ensuring that the food people consume is rich in nutrients and supports overall health.
Highlighting the importance of innovation in this transformation, the Prime Minister asked the scientific community to focus on developing bio-fortified crops, low-cost soil enhancers, and sustainable bio-fertilisers that can improve both agricultural productivity and public health. “We must now ensure not just that our people have enough to eat, but that they have the right kind of food to eat,” Modi remarked, underlining the government’s commitment to tackling malnutrition through science-driven solutions.
During his address, Modi also unveiled a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme, aimed at supporting high-risk, high-impact research projects across sectors. The initiative seeks to empower Indian scientists, startups, and research institutions to take bold steps in frontier areas of technology and innovation.
With ESTIC replacing the historic Indian Science Congress, the conclave marks a renewed national focus on aligning science and technology with the country’s development goals. Modi’s message was clear — India’s future growth will depend not just on producing more, but on producing better, healthier, and more sustainable outcomes for its citizens.
