The Indian agrotech sector is poised for a massive transformation, with the potential to generate 60,000 to 80,000 new employment opportunities over the next five years, according to Subburathinam P, Chief Strategy Officer at TeamLease Services. This growth is expected to span diverse roles across artificial intelligence, technology development, supply chain management, and sustainable farming solutions.
Speaking to PTI, Subburathinam highlighted the multifaceted advancements agrotech is bringing to farming, including water irrigation innovations, enhanced seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, as well as access to advanced farm machinery. Agrotech also provides farmers with market linkages to sell their produce more effectively, bridging traditional gaps in the agricultural ecosystem.
“The agrotech sector in India currently employs approximately 1 lakh people in technical, operational, and managerial roles. Most of these jobs are not seasonal, reflecting the sector’s focus on continuous technological innovation, analytics, and operational support,” Subburathinam said.
Comprehensive Solutions for Farmers
The sector empowers farmers through real-time advisory services, including climatic forecasts, pest and disease predictions, and irrigation alerts. These services enable farmers to make informed decisions, enhancing productivity and sustainability. Furthermore, agrotech is addressing financial constraints by offering solutions like credit, insurance, and digital payments, creating a more inclusive agricultural framework.
Also read: World Bank Approves $325M Project to Support 1M Farmers in Uttar Pradesh
Job Roles and Opportunities
Agrotech jobs are a blend of hybrid and on-ground roles. Software development, data analytics, and management positions can often be executed remotely, whereas roles such as machine operators, field technicians, and agronomists require on-site presence to directly support farmers and monitor field operations. Seasonal roles, such as crop monitoring during sowing and harvesting periods, often pivot to activities like data analysis, equipment maintenance, or skill development during the off-season.
The demand for these roles is particularly high in agriculture-intensive states such as Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram are emerging as hubs for agrotech startups, offering numerous opportunities in development and management roles.
Transforming Agriculture
Agrotech is revolutionizing Indian agriculture, especially for smallholder farmers, by ensuring higher yields, lower costs, and sustainable growth. Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving this transformation. Despite the focus on cutting-edge innovation, the emphasis remains on delivering practical, user-friendly tools that connect farmers to better resources and opportunities.
According to an EY report also mentioned in a NITI Aayog, India’s agrotech firms represent a $24 billion opportunity, with current market penetration at only 1.5%. NASSCOM data reveals that the country had around 450 agrotech startups in 2022, growing at a robust 25% year-on-year.
A Bright Future for Agrotech
With the government’s increasing support and the sector’s rapid evolution, agrotech is set to play a pivotal role in India’s agricultural landscape. By addressing critical challenges and creating a diverse range of employment opportunities, the sector is not just reshaping agriculture but also contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth.