Recent agriculture-focused events held in Bengaluru and Kochi offered a platform to discuss the evolving role of technology, policy, and partnerships in Indian farming. These gatherings brought together farmers, industry representatives, government officials, and local stakeholders to examine challenges, share experiences, and consider practical solutions for the sector.
VST Tillers Tractors Limited participated in both events—first as the AgriTech Partner at the ‘Krushi Devo Bhavah’ Agri Conclave in Bengaluru, and then at the company’s SFM Star Dealers Conference 2025 in Kochi. Each event had its own focus, with Bengaluru highlighting farmer stories and public policy, and Kochi emphasizing internal planning and outreach through dealership networks.
Agriculture Minister Highlights Policy Focus in Bengaluru
The ‘Krushi Devo Bhavah’ Agri Conclave, held in Bengaluru and organized by News First Kannada, focused on themes including sustainability, mechanization, and modern agricultural practices. Karnataka’s Minister for Agriculture, N Chaluvarayaswamy, attended the event as the chief guest, where he addressed the role of technology in supporting small and marginal farmers.
A notable component of the conclave was the ‘Bhu Tapasvi’ Awards, presented to ten farmers from Karnataka. Each of these individuals shared their experiences in adopting various methods to overcome challenges on their farms. The awardees spoke about the practical difficulties they face, their adjustments to changing climate and soil conditions, and how peer learning has helped them explore new techniques.
Sessions throughout the day focused on ground-level realities such as water conservation, land fragmentation, and the integration of small-scale mechanization. Several discussions examined how farmers are adapting to newer tools while managing cost, availability, and maintenance.
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Mechanization and Accessibility: Views from VST Representative
E Prabhu, Sales Head – Tractor Division at VST Tillers Tractors Limited, took part in a panel discussion during the Bengaluru event that explored agricultural mechanization. He spoke about the increased use of compact tractors, tillers, and weeders among small landholders and noted that accessible technology is becoming a relevant part of farm operations. “Farm mechanization is undergoing a shift with compact tractors, power tillers, and weeders making it feasible even for small and marginal farmers to increase productivity and reduce manual strain,” he said.
He also noted that newer machines are being designed to meet the specific needs of fragmented and low-acreage farms. However, he acknowledged that introducing tools alone is not sufficient, and that training, support, and cost factors need continued attention. “Introducing a machine or tool is not enough. We must ensure farmers know how to use it, maintain it, and feel confident that it will deliver value. That’s when technology becomes meaningful,” Mr. Prabhu said.
Strategic Planning and Dealer Recognition in Kochi
The discussion on agriculture extended to Kochi, where VST Tillers Tractors held its SFM Star Dealers Conference 2025. The internal event brought together the company’s dealership network from across the country. According to the company, the gathering aimed to review ongoing initiatives and align stakeholders with its operational goals for the upcoming year.
A key theme at the conference was the company’s stated target of reaching one lakh (100,000) tiller units under the banner “Lakshya – One Lakh Tiller.” Discussions reportedly focused on strategies to improve farmer outreach, adapt to regional demands, and ensure better accessibility to machines through local dealer channels.
The event also included recognition for dealers, which the company stated was intended to acknowledge performance and local-level engagement. Company representatives spoke about aligning product offerings with feedback from rural markets and emphasized the role dealers play in connecting farmers with equipment. New product updates were also shared at the conference. However, specific technical details or timelines for broader availability were not discussed in public detail.
Events Reflect Broader Conversations Around Indian Farming
Taken together, the Bengaluru and Kochi events reflect a wider trend in Indian agriculture—where mechanization, training, policy engagement, and localized distribution networks are increasingly seen as interconnected. While farming remains deeply shaped by local soil, weather, and socio-economic conditions, conversations at both venues acknowledged that newer tools and information access are beginning to influence decision-making at the farm level.
At the Bengaluru conclave, speakers emphasized that meaningful change will depend not just on technology, but on how effectively farmers can access it and adapt it to their circumstances. The Kochi conference, while more operational in nature, highlighted the role businesses and their networks play in supporting that process.
As farmers navigate changing environmental conditions and fluctuating market prices, events like these contribute to an ongoing dialogue—one that includes farmers’ voices as well as those of public and private sector actors. Whether it’s through policy support, peer-led learning, or improved access to mechanization, the path forward will likely require cooperation across multiple fronts.