New Delhi, April 22 -- Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday called for a transformative shift in the agricultural sector, urging that farmers transition from 'Annadata' (food providers) to 'Urjadata' (energy providers), emphasising their pivotal roles in India's future energy ecosystem.

Speaking at the 'Save the Earth Conclave' organised in New Delhi to celebrate World Earth Day 2025, Nitin Gadkari said, "To stop the import of petroleum worth Rs 22 lakh crore, the 'Annadata' must now become 'Urjadata'. By protecting the environment and strengthening the economy, I firmly believe that in the next five years, our energy-importing country will definitely become an energy-exporting nation."

The minister un...