Centre to promote tech-led farming
Agri Ministry prepared a set of problem statements, on which the proposals will be invited from technocrats to address the issues
image for illustrative purpose
Agri Ecosystem
♦ AgriMin set up screening committee
♦ It comprises experts from IITs, IIMs, IISc & IISER
♦ The committee will evaluate innovative solutions
♦ Ministry will help experts pilot their solutions
New Delhi: Impressed by the exponential growth in the agri-tech sector, the central government has decided to extend tech benefits to all farmers across the country. In order to leverage agri-tech innovations, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has set up a screening committee comprising experts in the field from institutions like IITs, IIMs, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and the Indian Institutes of Science Education & Research (IISER), official sources told Bizz Buzz.
Domain experts and specialists from industry will also be members of the committee. This committee will evaluate innovative solutions that directly impact the wellbeing of farmers. For this purpose, the Ministry has prepared a set of problem statements on which the proposals will be invited from the interested entities.
This endeavor, the sources insist, will be a win-win situation for both the tech entrepreneurs as well as agriculturists. This will open many avenues for the entrepreneurs who are already working or are willing to work in the countryside. They can apply their innovative solutions to address the inherent challenges of the sector.
While the agri-tech sector has seen very impressive growth in the last decade, primarily because of the enterprise and diligence of young talents, one of the challenges they face is the lack of reliable data on the sector and strategic guidance. The Ministry steps in to fill this lacuna, the sources said, adding that it will shape and provide opportunities to all agri-tech entities.
The Ministry will provide them the necessary support in the form of an ecosystem to pilot their solutions and effectively address the challenges. If the solutions are found to be innovative and replicable, these may be implemented nationwide.
The Ministry will soon invite proposals from agri techs start-ups, etc., to collaborate and share their expertise with the government. The newly constituted committee will seek presentations from potential collaborators, aiming to identify specific technologies and targeted interventions that align with the unique demands of the Indian agriculture landscape.
