India, Jan. 8 -- India will have to reduce imports and increase exports, if it wants to become the third-largest economy in the world, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday. Speaking at 'CSIR's Technology Transfer Ceremony', Gadkari highlighted how agricultural waste can be converted into a valuable national resource and help in reducing the country's crude imports.

The road transport and highways minister noted that the use of bio-bitumen, a petroleum-free component, in road construction is a transformative step towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. "By utilising agro-waste, it reduces pollution caused by crop burning and strengthens the circular economy. "With 15 per cent blending, India can save nearly $ 4,500 crore in fo...