India’s agriculture is experiencing a technological revolution, led by agri startups leveraging advanced innovations and sustainable practices. These startups empower farmers, affectionately known as Annadatas, by offering tailored solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Surge in Agri Startups
In the past nine years, the number of startups in agriculture and allied sectors has increased from 50 to 7,000, driven by a favorable business climate and robust government support. The budget allocation for agriculture has also risen significantly from ₹30,000 crore to ₹1.3 lakh crore. Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) have provided substantial financial support to farmers.
Sustainable and Technological Advancements
Indian agriculture is poised for a transformation, with a shift towards sustainable practices such as bio-based solutions and technological advancements including artificial intelligence, IoT, and drones. Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka, President of IPL Biologicals, highlighted the increasing adoption of eco-friendly farming methods that enhance crop productivity, soil health, and water conservation.
Precision Agriculture and Drone Technology
Precision agriculture technologies like AI, IoT, and drones are being integrated to optimize resource usage, improve yields, and minimize environmental impact. IPL Biologicals collaborates with farmers and research institutions to develop digital platforms supporting sustainable agricultural practices. They focus on addressing issues like declining soil health and overuse of synthetic chemicals with innovative microbial solutions.
Drone technology, gaining traction in agriculture, offers advantages like enhanced efficiency, higher yields, and reduced costs. The Government of India has launched the “Drone Didi Yojana” to train women in drone operations for agricultural purposes, imparting essential technological skills.
Pradeep Palelli, founder and CEO of Thanos Technology, envisions widespread drone usage in Indian agriculture for tasks like spraying fertilizers and monitoring fields. Thanos Technology’s agriculture-spraying drones, equipped with GPS technology and an Intelligent Flight Controller, enable autonomous spraying, saving farmers’ money and reducing health hazards.
With the decreasing availability of manual labor due to migration to urban areas, the adoption of mechanization and automation, including unmanned devices like drones, is expected to grow. Innovative business models are likely to emerge, further advancing the agriculture sector.
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