In a stride toward modernizing Indian agriculture, ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics), in collaboration with ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and NAAS (National Academy of Agricultural Sciences), hosted a two-day National Conference on “Digital Agriculture: Empowering Indian Farming.” The event, held from December 17 to 18, 2024, at the A.P. Shinde Symposium Hall, New Delhi, brought together an influential cohort of experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to shape the future of digital agriculture in India.
A Vision for India’s Digital Agricultural Future
The conference aimed to leverage advancements in digital infrastructure to revolutionize Indian farming practices. Supported by the CGIAR Initiative on Digital Innovation, the event drew 120 participants representing over 40 institutions, encompassing the realms of research, academia, and the private and public sectors.
India’s recently launched Digital Agriculture Mission, with a substantial budget of ₹2,817 crores, served as a focal point for the discussions. The mission’s goals include building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and implementing initiatives like the Agri Stack, digital crop surveys, and cyber decision support systems. The conference provided a timely platform for key stakeholders to align strategies and chart a roadmap for effective implementation.
Insights from Key Leaders
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR, inaugurated the conference by emphasizing the necessity of global collaboration in agricultural digital transformation.
“To build a resilient and food-secure future, we must transcend borders and foster a global exchange of technologies, knowledge, and innovations. By collaborating as a global community, we can ensure that no farmer, regardless of location, is left behind in this digital transformation. Together, we can create an inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable agricultural ecosystem that benefits farmers globally,” stated Dr. Pathak.
Also read: Government of Odisha, ICRISAT Collaborate to Champion Regenerative Agriculture
Dr. Stanford Blade, Director General-Interim of ICRISAT, highlighted the transformative potential of digital innovations. He stressed the importance of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics in delivering tangible benefits to farmers.
Dr. M.L. Jat, Global Research Program Director—Resilient Farm and Food Systems, ICRISAT, provided an overview of CGIAR’s digital initiatives. He emphasized the need for global alignment with theSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and proposed a Virtual Academy for Digital Agriculture to address skill gaps among farmers and extension agents.
Driving Collaborative Solutions
The conference featured several thought-provoking sessions led by esteemed experts:
- Dr. Anil Rai, Assistant Director General of ICAR, underscored the critical role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in bridging the digital divide.
- Dr. Rabi Sahoo, Principal Scientist at ICAR, highlighted the integration of real-time data and innovative tools to enhance decision-making and inform policy frameworks.
- Dr. Srikanth Rupavatharam, Senior Scientist – Digital Agriculture, ICRISAT, moderated discussions on farmer-centric solutions, emphasizing the importance of accessible and affordable technologies tailored to smallholder farmers.
Key Recommendations
The conference concluded with actionable recommendations aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital agriculture in India:
- Establish Centers of Excellence for digital agriculture to boost digital literacy among farmers and extension agents.
- Develop Open Data Systems to ensure transparency and accessibility.
- Foster Partnerships between stakeholders to maximize the potential of digital agriculture.
- Adopt an Inclusive Approach to address the entire agricultural value chain comprehensively.
Paving the Way
The event organized by ICRISAT laid a robust foundation for integrating advanced technologies such as data analytics, AI, and smart systems into Indian agriculture. By addressing policy gaps, enhancing capacity building, and fostering collaboration, the conference set the stage for a resilient and prosperous future for Indian farming communities.
