Hyderabad witnessed a major step forward in agricultural innovation today as the International Conference on Rainfed Agriculture: Building Pathways for Resilience & Sustainable Livelihoods was inaugurated at ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA). The event, organized in collaboration with the Indian Society of Dryland Agriculture (ISDA), brought together global experts, policymakers, researchers, and farmers to explore cutting-edge technological solutions for the challenges of rainfed farming.
Advancing Tech-Enabled Resilience in Dryland Farming
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), commended the remarkable progress made by researchers in enhancing the productivity and resilience of rainfed agriculture. He underscored the critical role of technology-driven innovations in mitigating the effects of climate change on dryland farming. Dr. Pathak urged researchers to focus on developing advanced digital extension methodologies to empower farmers with real-time solutions and data-driven decision-making tools.
Dr. S. K. Chaudhary, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), reinforced the urgency of leveraging emerging technologies such as AI-driven weather forecasting, precision irrigation, and soil health monitoring to strengthen rainfed agriculture. He encouraged delegates to propose actionable policy recommendations and technological breakthroughs that would enable farmers to tackle climate-related stressors effectively.
Innovative Technologies Transforming Rainfed Agriculture in India
India has been at the forefront of deploying various technologies to enhance the sustainability and productivity of rainfed agriculture. Precision farming techniques utilizing Internet of Things (IoT)-based soil moisture sensors and automated irrigation systems are being widely adopted to optimize water usage, helping determine the exact amount of irrigation required for different soil types. Weather and climate forecasting systems such as the Mausam App, Meghdoot App, and Damini App, developed by the Indian Meteorological Department in collaboration with ICAR and other institutions, provide real-time weather forecasts, rainfall predictions, and lightning alerts, assisting farmers in making timely decisions on sowing, irrigation, and harvesting.
Drought-resistant and bioengineered crops are also playing a vital role in boosting agricultural resilience. Scientists at ICAR and ICRISAT have developed climate-resilient crop varieties, including millets, pulses, and oilseeds, which are designed to thrive in water-scarce conditions and offer improved yield potential. The adoption of micro-irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, promoted through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), has significantly enhanced water use efficiency, enabling farmers to maximize crop production while minimizing water wastage.
Agroforestry and soil conservation techniques are being integrated into farming systems to preserve soil moisture and enhance fertility in rainfed areas. Methods such as contour bunding, zero tillage, and organic mulching are increasingly helping farmers mitigate soil erosion and retain water in dryland regions. Remote sensing and GIS mapping, supported by the National Remote Sensing Centre and ISRO, are revolutionizing precision agriculture by providing satellite imagery and geospatial analysis, which enable farmers to monitor crop health, soil moisture levels, and pest infestations in real time.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning are transforming agriculture by analyzing big data collected from farms, predicting crop yields, detecting diseases early, and automating farming activities. AI-powered chatbots and mobile applications are also providing customized advisory services to farmers, helping them make informed decisions. Watershed management programs such as the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) are being implemented to enhance water conservation, recharge groundwater levels, and improve soil health in dryland regions, ensuring a more sustainable approach to rainfed farming.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Dr. V. K. Singh, Director of ICAR-CRIDA and President of ISDA, highlighted the significance of rainfed agriculture in India’s economic framework. He emphasized that the conference serves as a crucial platform for fostering partnerships between researchers, agritech innovators, NGOs, policymakers, and the private sector, ensuring that technological advancements reach the farming community seamlessly. Dr. Stanford Blade, Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), elaborated on ICRISAT’s technological contributions to dryland farming. He also reaffirmed the strong collaboration between ICRISAT and ICAR-CRIDA in driving research-based innovations for sustainable agriculture.
Tech-Infused Exhibition & Knowledge Sharing
As part of the conference, an exhibition was inaugurated to showcase next-generation agritech solutions, including remote sensing applications, climate-smart farming tools, and bioengineered crop solutions. Dignitaries unveiled a compendium compiling extensive research findings and technological insights relevant to rainfed farming. The exhibition featured interactive displays on AI-powered pest management, automated irrigation systems, and sustainable soil conservation techniques. Delegates explored live demonstrations of drone technology in agriculture, showing how UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are being used for precision farming, seed broadcasting, and crop health assessment.
Strengthening Resilience in Rainfed Agriculture
With over 750 participants, including global experts, farmers, NGO representatives, and private sector leaders, the conference is set to be a landmark event in redefining rainfed agriculture through technology, innovation, and policy-driven approaches. The discussions will focus on scaling up successful models, enhancing climate resilience, and integrating technology into traditional farming practices to create sustainable livelihoods for millions of farmers dependent on rainfed agriculture. The outcomes of the conference are expected to shape future policies, drive further research, and promote widespread adoption of tech-driven solutions in rainfed farming systems across India.