The SBI Foundation, has partnered with the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Raichur, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), and Agribridge to launch the SMART-CROP initiative, (Sustainable Monitoring and Real-time Tracking for Crop Resilience and Optimal Practices). The technology driven initiative designed to assist farmers in identifying and managing crop stress through real-time monitoring systems.
The programme aims to integrate digital tools such as satellite imaging, remote sensing, and AI-based analytics to enable farmers to respond proactively to climatic and agronomic challenges. The project was formally launched in Hyderabad, with farmers from the project locations joining both physically and virtually, underscoring the participatory and inclusive nature of the programme.
Building Farmer Resilience through Tech & Collaboration
The SMART-CROP initiative is a three year project implemented under the SBI Foundation’s LEAP (Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme). It aims to strengthen the resilience and productivity of more than 8,000 smallholder farmers across selected districts of Karnataka, including Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Raichur, as well as parts of Telangana, such as Sangareddy and Vikarabad. The project integrates modern technology with grassroots engagement to address the challenges faced by farmers in semi-arid regions.
By leveraging satellite imaging, remote sensing, and AI/ML driven analytics, SMART-CROP will enable real time crop stress monitoring. This technology based approach is designed to help farmers anticipate and mitigate risks related to climate variability, pest infestations, disease outbreaks, and soil degradation, thereby supporting more informed decision making at the farm level.
Through the SMART-CROP project, we are taking a prudent step towards equipping our farmers with technology driven solutions that enhance crop resilience, reduce risks, and promote climate smart practices. This initiative underlines our commitment to building an ecosystem where innovation empowers farmers and ensures dignity, security and hope for farmers who face the brunt of climate change.
Commitment to Climate-Smart and Inclusive Agriculture
Joining the event, Divya Devarajan, IAS, CEO of the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), highlighted the importance of farmer centric innovation in driving agricultural progress and sustainability in India.
Partnerships are key to unlocking the true potential of Indian agriculture. I thank the SBI Foundation for venturing into this crucial area of crop stress, encompassing climate change, pest and disease prevention, and soil health. It not only reduces risk at the farm level but also has the potential to save billions of dollars in food losses.
Integrating Science, Technology, and Farmer Participation
Project Principal Investigators Dr A G Sreenivas, Head of the Department of Entomology at UAS Raichur, and Dr Mamta Sharma, Principal Scientist and Lead Pathologist at ICRISAT, detailed the scientific and operational framework of SMART-CROP. The initiative focuses on real time monitoring of pulse crops, particularly chickpea and pigeonpea, while advancing the digital inclusion of farmers to deliver actionable intelligence directly to them.
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The project will employ farmer-participatory methods to scale integrated pest and disease management technologies. Additionally, socio-economic assessments will be carried out to analyze yield gaps, evaluate the impact of early detection tools, and measure agroecological benefits across the intervention areas.
A dedicated session during the event was conducted by Agribridge Co-Founder Vishnu Gorantala and Partner Adarsh, who demonstrated the digital infrastructure enabling SMART-CROP’s real time monitoring and data driven decision making processes.
Towards a Scalable Model for Climate Resilience
The SMART-CROP project presents a scalable and replicable framework for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. As global efforts intensify to ensure food security and sustainable livelihoods under changing climatic conditions, SMART-CROP reflects a holistic model that combines institutional collaboration, technological innovation, and community participation.
By aligning with global priorities on food security, rural development, and climate action, the initiative offers a potential blueprint for other agriculture dependent regions seeking to strengthen their farming systems against environmental uncertainties. Through the combined expertise of SBI Foundation, UAS Raichur, ICRISAT, and Agribridge, the project marks a focused effort to build adaptive capacity and long-term sustainability for smallholder farmers in India’s semi-arid regions.