Akash Asthana is Regional Head of Bihar at Digital Green Trust, a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering rural communities through innovative technology and community engagement. “With active projects across India, Ethiopia, Ghana, Afghanistan, Kenya, Nepal, and Nigeria, we are committed to bringing about a global change in sustainable development”, says Asthana in an interview with Bizz Buzz.

Through innovative technology and sustainable practices, this brand has revolutionized farming landscapes, boosting productivity, income and resilience in rural communities. With a focus on bridging the digital divide and harnessing the power of AI, the brand's initiatives are driving impactful change, fostering a future where every farmer has the tools and knowledge to thrive

How is the agriculture sector revolutionizing rural livelihoods through digital literacy?

The agriculture sector is transforming rural livelihoods through digital literacy by providing farmers with access to essential information and cutting-edge technologies. Digital literacy initiatives equip farmers to utilize smartphones and internet services for real-time weather updates, market prices, and best agricultural practices, thereby boosting productivity and income. Different training programs and mobile apps are aiding farmers in adopting precision farming techniques, optimizing resource use, and improving crop yields. Apart from agriculture, digital literacy is also helpful for other livelihood options like livestock management and off-farm activities. Awareness of market information, value addition options, buyers' preferences and efficient use of existing resources to better manage their livelihood opportunities are key for rural households, which are easily accessible through digital technologies.

How could AI in agriculture transform traditional farming business models?

AI in agriculture has the potential to revolutionize traditional farming business models by bringing efficiency, precision, and scalability. With AI-driven tools like predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms, farmers can optimize crop management, pest control, and resource optimization. AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of data available from different sources to provide actionable insights, enabling more accurate decision-making and reducing input costs.

What are Digital Green’s strategies for pivoting and diversifying AI solutions in agriculture?

Digital Green's strategies for pivoting and diversifying AI solutions in agriculture include leveraging data-driven insights, fostering local partnerships, and enhancing farmer-centric platforms. By utilizing AI to analyze extensive agricultural data, Digital Green tailors solutions to meet the specific needs of farming communities, improving crop yields and sustainability. Digital Green is collaborating with local organizations, governments, and research institutes to ensure the technologies are contextually relevant and accessible. Additionally, at Digital Green our focus is on developing user-friendly platforms that empower farmers with real-time information, predictive analytics, and personalized advice, thereby facilitating the adoption of AI innovations in diverse agricultural settings.

What are the challenges and best practices for expansion for Digital Green?

Digital Green faces several challenges in expansion, including the level of digital literacy among farmers, overcoming infrastructural limitations, and maintaining contextual relevance across diverse regions. To address these, Digital Green invests in extensive training programs to boost digital literacy and ensure the effective use of digital tools. Collaborating with local stakeholders helps tailor solutions to specific regional needs and enhances trust within communities. Alongside, continuous feedback loops and iterative improvements based on farmer experiences ensure that the solutions remain relevant and effective, driving sustainable growth and adoption.

How can the impact of technology on traditional farming practices be explored?

Exploring the impact of technology on traditional farming practices involves a multidimensional approach that considers various aspects such as economic, social, environmental, and cultural factors. We can conduct field studies and interviews with farmers, agricultural experts, policymakers, and community members to gather firsthand insights into the impact of technology on traditional farming practices. Specific technologies can be identified that have been introduced into traditional farming practices. This could include mechanization, the use of pesticides and fertilizers, irrigation systems, genetic engineering, drones, and precision agriculture techniques. We can compare the costs and benefits of traditional farming methods with those of modern technologies. Examine how the introduction of technology affects the social fabric of farming communities. This could include changes in labor dynamics, gender roles, knowledge transfer between generations, and community cohesion. We need to assess the environmental consequences of adopting modern farming technologies considering issues such as soil degradation, water usage, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and carbon emissions.

What is the role of data analytics in improving rural farming outcomes?

Data analytics is vital in enhancing rural farming outcomes by enabling precise, informed decision-making and optimizing resource use. By analyzing data from different sources, farmers gain insights into soil health, crop conditions, and pest patterns. This information facilitates tailored interventions like targeted fertilizer application and irrigation, boosting crop yields and cutting costs. Also, predictive analytics help farmers anticipate and mitigate risks associated with weather, further enhancing their resilience and profitability.

How is Digital Green celebrating the unsung heroines who are leading the change in rural landscapes?

Digital Green works with State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLM) across various states. Through the extensive network of field-level extension workers (FLEWs), more than 60 per cent of whom are women, the SRLMs reach out to millions of women. Digital Green supports these FLEWs to further strengthen their skills and empowers them with digital solutions to reach out to the communities, especially the women. This approach helps in strengthening the role of women as enablers and decision-makers at self, household, and community levels.

How AI technologies are transforming farming practices for sustainability?

Digital Green integrates advanced data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling into agricultural processes. By leveraging AI, Digital Green empowers farmers to make more informed decisions about crop management, resource allocation, and pest control. These technologies help in optimizing water usage, reducing chemical inputs, and enhancing soil health, which contribute to more sustainable farming practices. Digital Green also conducts pilot projects and collaborates with local partners to adapt digital solutions to regional contexts, ensuring that innovations are both effective and scalable. Through continuous monitoring and feedback, Digital Green refines these technologies to maximize their impact on sustainable agriculture.

How is agritech transforming agriculture?

Agritech is improving agriculture by integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance productivity, sustainability and efficiency across the entire agricultural value chain. Through innovations such as precision farming, farmers can optimize resource utilization, minimize waste, and maximize yields through data-driven decision-making.

How can Digital Green improve nutrient management for sustainable farming?

Digital solutions for small-scale producers (SSP) are becoming increasingly essential due to various climate change-induced challenges faced by the agriculture sector as well as the vulnerable target groups. These digital tools, technologies, and platforms address the needs of SSP by providing innovative solutions to understand the impact and improve productivity, climate resilience, and profitability. Through digital tools, Digital Green collects information of the agronomic practices (including the nutrient and water management) of the small-scale producers. This information is processed to provide a digital snapshot for the farmers where they can see their practices in comparison to their peers’ practices and the recommendations by the scientists. Through this product, the farmers are made aware of the efficient use of nutrients and water for the cultivation of their crops.