Tech-Led Smart Agriculture Key to Viksit Bharat: NITI Aayog
Technology-driven smart agriculture is crucial for building a developed India (Viksit Bharat), according to NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand. He emphasized that farmers need access to capital, knowledge, and partnerships to adapt to rapid technological transformation.
Key Takeaways
- 46% of India’s workforce is in agriculture, making it vital for Viksit Bharat
- Agri-tech evolution includes precision farming, data science, and digital advisories
- Focus on sustainability and climate-smart agriculture practices
- Digital platforms enabling data access in local languages for farmers
Rapid Agri-Tech Evolution
“The agri-tech landscape is evolving rapidly, from genetic modification and precision farming to data science and ICT-based advisory systems,” Chand stated at an Assocham event. He noted that every technology brings both solutions and challenges, requiring innovation that respects sustainability.
Sustainable Agriculture Focus
Agriculture Commissioner Praveen Kumar Singh emphasized making agriculture both productive and sustainable. He highlighted platforms like upag.gov.in that integrate agricultural statistics, Fasal Bima, crop yield, and Kisan Credit Card data for informed decision-making.
“With digital agriculture and real-time intelligence, we are working to make data available in farmers’ local languages, enabling every farmer to benefit from technology-driven solutions,” Singh added.
Waste-to-Wealth Initiatives
Significant progress is being made in waste-to-wealth initiatives, including converting crop residues into Compressed Biogas (CBG). Schemes like KUSUM are successfully linking energy efficiency with crop cultivation practices.
Industry Perspectives
UPL Ltd’s Sagar Kaushik noted that global initiatives like COP30 remind us that agriculture must be part of the climate solution. Dhanuka Agritech’s R G Agarwal highlighted the critical role of regulation and innovation in crop protection, emphasizing that climate change demands enhanced research and quality control to safeguard India’s food security.
