Experts discuss the way forward for digital implementation in Indian agriculture sector

New Delhi: ICRISAT recently held a two-day National Conference on “Digital Agriculture: Empowering Indian Farming” in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) at the A.P. Shinde Symposium Hall, New Delhi.

The conference, held from 17 to 18 December 2024, brought together a vibrant community of thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders focused on charting the future course of digital agriculture in India by leveraging advancements in rural digital infrastructure.

Supported by the CGIAR Initiative on Digital Innovation, the conference welcomed approximately 120 participants representing over 40 institutes spanning research, academia, and the private and public sectors.

In September 2024, the Government of India launched its Digital Agriculture Mission with an ambitious budget of INR 2,817 crores. This mission aims to build Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and support various initiatives, including the Agri Stack, digital crop surveys, and cyber decision support systems. The conference offered a timely platform for stakeholders to collaborate and develop a strategic roadmap for the mission’s implementation.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR, opened the event with a compelling vision for digital transformation in agriculture. “To build a resilient and food-secure future, we must transcend borders and foster a global exchange of technologies, knowledge, and innovations. By collaborating as a global community, we can ensure that no farmer, regardless of location, is left behind in this digital transformation. Together, we can create an inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable agricultural ecosystem that benefits farmers globally,” stated Dr Pathak.

Dr Stanford Blade, Director General-Interim of ICRISAT, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between ICAR, NAAS, and ICRISAT, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving success. “Digital innovations hold transformative potential, and by leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics, we can drive meaningful benefits for farmers,” shared Dr Blade.

Dr M.L. Jat, Global Research Program Director – Resilient Farm and Food Systems, ICRISAT presented an overview of CGIAR’s digital innovations and initiatives on enhancing decision-making, bridging the digital divide, and promoting gender equity in agri-food systems.

Stressing the need for better collaboration between national and international research bodies, he advocated for alignment with the global SDGs for broader impact. Dr Jat also proposed the establishment of a Virtual Academy for Digital Agriculture, a dedicated platform for training to address the gaps in skill development among farmers and extension agents.

Dr Anil Rai, Assistant Director General of ICAR and the event’s convenor underlined the role of ICT as a critical tool to close the digital gap. Dr Rabi Sahoo, Principal Scientist at ICAR, highlighted the importance of integrating real-time data and innovative tools to enhance decision-making and inform policy frameworks. Moderating a session on farmer-centric solutions, Dr Srikanth Rupavatharam, Senior Scientist – Digital Agriculture, ICRISAT, stressed the need for accessible and affordable technologies tailored for smallholder farmers.

The deliberations addressed critical areas, including policy gaps, the need for capacity building, and strategies to improve the adoption of technologies within the agricultural sector.