The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) is currently underway at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, running from 14 to 27 November 2025. Under the theme ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, the ongoing edition is drawing strong attention to India’s expanding integration of space technology, digital platforms and advanced analytics in agriculture.
Showcase of Space Technology for Farming
The trade fair is presenting multiple initiatives developed in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), demonstrating how satellite imagery, agro meteorological datasets and geospatial platforms are improving crop forecasting, drought assessment and insurance processes under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. These solutions are structured to provide farmers with timely and accurate information, supporting better decision-making, risk preparedness and resource planning.
FASAL Project Demonstrates Pre Harvest Forecasting
A key attraction at the trade fair 2025 is the Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro meteorology and Land-based Observations (FASAL) project. The system forecasts production for major crops such as rice, wheat, tur, rapeseed and mustard, rabi jowar, cotton, jute, sugarcane, soybean, lentil and gram. By combining satellite inputs, agro-meteorological data and field-based observations, the programme delivers pre-harvest yield estimates that enhance planning and market readiness.
Geoportal for Drought Monitoring
Another feature at trade fair is the drought monitoring Geoportal, built in collaboration with ISRO’s Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad. It integrates indicators such as rainfall distribution, soil moisture levels, remote sensing-based crop health assessments and water storage conditions. The consolidated interface enables early identification of drought risk and supports timely mitigation actions.
Farm Machinery and Digital Tools on Display
The Northern Region Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute from Hisar, Haryana, is exhibiting drones and farm machinery, offering visitors a closer look at evolving mechanisation tools at the trade fair 2025. The agriculture-focused zones across the trade fair include the Agriculture Pavilion in Hall 1, the Agriculture Insurance Company of India’s stall spotlighting PMFBY and booths showcasing India’s progress in agri-entrepreneurship, digital agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
Enhanced Workflow for PMFBY
Space-based applications are on display for their role in strengthening the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Smart Sampling for Crop Cutting Experiments, satellite-driven yield estimation and resolution tools for area and yield discrepancies are improving the precision and transparency of claim settlements, ensuring faster support for affected farmers.
Krishi-DSS: A Cloud Based Geospatial Platform
The trade fair showcased Krishi Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS), offering visitors an in-depth view of a cloud-based platform built to assist multiple stakeholders in agricultural planning. The dashboard brings together satellite imagery, weather data, soil layers, water resource information and field observations through analytical modules that generate timely, actionable insights for operational planning.
Krishi-DSS was introduced during the one-day conference “Space-Driven Solutions for Agricultural Transformation in India,” held on National Space Day on 23 August. The event brought together delegates from the Department of Space, ISRO centres, central agencies, state remote sensing centres, agricultural universities and representatives from the agrotech sector. The conference featured technical sessions, demonstrations of ISRO’s satellite data portals and panel discussions on the growing role of space-based tools in crop monitoring, disaster management and soil health planning.
Also read: Fyllo Launches DeepMet 1, an AI Driven Model for Hyperlocal Rainfall Forecasting
Pilot Studies Lead to YESTECH Implementation
The trade fair also highlights findings from pilot studies conducted between 2019 and 2023, where satellite imagery, UAVs, simulation models and AI/ML tools were tested for yield estimation at the Gram Panchayat level. Insights from these studies supported the rollout of the Yield Estimation System using Technology (YESTECH) under PMFBY, implemented for paddy and wheat from Kharif 2023 and soybean from Kharif 2024. This system enables technology-based yield estimation at local levels, ensuring more timely and transparent claim settlements.
A Cohesive View of India’s Tech Enabled Agricultural Landscape
Through satellite-led monitoring systems, predictive models, cloud-based platforms and advanced machinery, the ongoing trade fair is presenting a comprehensive portrait of India’s shift toward data-driven agriculture. The exhibits collectively highlight how integrated technologies are enabling improved yield estimation, resource management, risk mitigation and operational efficiency across farming communities.
