In this episode of the Prof Mahesh Podcast, Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula speaks with Prof. Madhura Swaminathan, Head of the Economic Analysis Unit at the Indian Statistical Institute, to explore the urgent challenges and future of India’s food security.

How can India feed 1.4 billion people amid climate change, water scarcity, and rising demand? Learn why pulses and oilseeds lag behind rice and wheat, and uncover the surprising truth behind global food waste. Prof. Swaminathan highlights the role of women farmers, the need for digital agriculture, AI, and technology-driven solutions, and why national food sovereignty is crucial in today’s global order.

From drones in farming to apps that save fishermen’s lives, this episode reveals why the next food revolution will depend on engineers, data scientists, and innovators working together for sustainable agriculture.