Is SMART Farming A Smart Bet for India?

In the dynamic landscape of Indian agriculture, the dawn of smart farming technologies heralds a new era of innovation and efficiency. Recently, significant strides have been made in this sector, exemplified by Arya.ag’s, strategic partnership with Crystal Crop Protection Limited. This collaboration introduces a nationwide crop monitoring initiative powered by Arya.ag’s cutting-edge satellite crop monitoring tool, “Prakshep”. Such initiatives underscore India’s commitment to advancing agricultural practices towards greater productivity and sustainability, a commitment further reinforced in India’s Interim Budget 2024. Let's look into more aspects related to the smart agriculture market in India.

India’s smart agriculture market is poised for remarkable growth, projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.38 per cent and is expected to garner a revenue of $886.21 million by 2028, according to insights from Inkwood Research. This trajectory is fuelled by several factors including the widespread adoption of the Internet of Things (IOT) technologies, advancements in analytics and supportive government initiatives. The segmentation of this market highlights various components and types, such as smart greenhouse systems, precision farming techniques, livestock monitoring solutions, and precision aquaculture methods.

Innovative technological solutions

One of the pivotal contributions of datadriven technologies to agriculture lies in the integration of Ai-based sensors and IOT devices with farm machinery. This integration facilitates real-time monitoring and decision-making, empowering farmers with actionable insights to optimise crop yields and resource management. Arya.ag's partnership with Crystal Crop Protection Limited exemplifies this approach, aiming to equip farmers across key Indian states with data-driven strategies for sustainable farming practices and enhanced yields.

Furthermore, collaborations like the one between Zuari Farmhub and Cropx Technologies underscore the industry's commitment to revolutionising farming practices through realtime monitoring and digital agronomic solutions. These initiatives not only enhance productivity but also underscore a broader commitment to sustainability in agriculture.

Government's digital agri initiatives

In the Interim Budget 2024, the Indian government reaffirmed its commitment to digital agriculture by allocating Rs 450 crore for the Digital Agriculture Mission and an additional Rs 600 crore for the advancement of technology in the agriculture sector. Such financial support underscores the government's recognition of the pivotal role that technology plays in transforming Indian agriculture.

Government’s initiatives, such as the

"India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture" plan and the National Agriculture Market (ENAM) online trading portal, further bolster the digital transformation of the agricultural sector. These efforts aim to create a more integrated market for agricultural products while leveraging technology to empower farmers and streamline trade processes.

In parallel, strategic partnerships between organisations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) are instrumental in co-creating data-driven innovations to support smallholder farmers. Initiatives like DICRA (Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture) offer invaluable insights into climate resilience, guiding public investments and policy frameworks to bolster agricultural sustainability.

The launch of the UPAG Portal by NITI Aayog in 2023 represents a significant milestone in harnessing data for agricultural growth. This platform provides standardised and verified data on agricultural commodities, enabling informed decision-making for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.

In light of these advancements, the smart farming technologies sector emerges as a catalyst for the agri industry's growth in India. By leveraging data-driven insights, innovative partnerships, and government support, this sector not only addresses existing challenges but also paves the way for a more resilient and sustainable future in agriculture.

Experts from government and industry underscore the role of innovation and Ai-driven systems in transforming India’s agricultural landscape.

Anuja Kadian, Government and Industry Affairs Director (Asia Pacific) at Corteva Agriscience says, "We recognise the crucial role of innovation in driving sustainable growth in agriculture. Technology is imperative in increasing crop productivity and ensuring food security for our nation. By championing

climate-smart farming solutions and fostering collaboration across the industry, we aim to empower farmers with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing environment. Through initiatives focused on farmer education and strategic partnerships, we are committed to advancing the adoption of agritech and paving the way for a resilient and prosperous future for Indian agriculture.”

Highlighting the transformative potential of Ai-driven systems and open-source software in revolutionising farming practices, Juzar Khorakiwala, Chairman & Managing Director of Biostadt Group of Companies says, “Technology in agriculture has altered the way farming is conducted, and conventional techniques have been transformed by the Internet of Things

(IOT). These Ai-driven systems, open-source software, and other digital tools will be useful to revolutionise farming practices. Like many other countries, India too is slowly beginning to embrace this transformative trend to enhance food production and consumption efficiency.” However, he points out that conventional farming practices still control irrigation and pesticide spraying. He stresses the importance of smart farming technologies in enhancing precision and efficiency across agricultural operations.

Startups setting the tone

Agritech entrepreneurs are revolutionising the agricultural industry by developing cuttingedge solutions for supply chain management, precision farming, and facilitating farmermarket connections. Adopting these technologies can lead to increased incomes, reduced expenses, and enhanced productivity. The sector's ongoing expansion holds significant promise for revolutionising India's agricultural landscape, generating new job opportunities, and bolstering the country's economy. It is crucial for agricultural businesses to build upon their previous achievements while maintaining their commitment to self-sufficiency and sustainability. Within the startup ecosystem, the aspiration for an independent India remains deeply entrenched and will continue to be a driving force.

According to Nikita Tiwari, Co-founder of NEERX, “Budding startups are indeed injecting significant technical prowess into

India's agriculture sector. However, the low tech adoption rate of technology and a broad-targeting approach over the past four years have hindered progress. Startups focusing on niche segments could potentially drive more impactful innovation and adoption. Additionally, heavy reliance on government subsidies in agriculture has posed a barrier to investor funding, especially for startups with government contracts.”

Emphasising the need for a well-defined roadmap, Juzar Khorakiwala said, “As we progress, it is essential for agriculture startups to maintain their focus on the twin objectives of self-reliance and sustainability, leveraging past successes. The vision of a self-reliant India is deeply embedded in the startup ecosystem and will remain a guiding force for the years to come.”

However, there is a divergence of views amongst industry leaders on the matter. While there is an influx of new companies entering the smart farming market, the longevity of these ventures remains uncertain in their view.

Enabling adoption of smart farming technologies

Many farmers face the challenge of acquiring the necessary skills to effectively utilise modern agricultural technologies. Recognising this, several industry players are actively engaging with farmers to provide the requisite knowledge and skills for smart farm operations. Through targeted campaigns and awareness programmes these companies are facilitating the adoption of

such systems and offering comprehensive aftersales services to support farmers in mastering these technologies

Praveen Pankajakshan, Vice President and Head of Cropin AI Labs, highlights the receptiveness of farmers worldwide to new ideas and their eagerness to learn - “Every farmer I've met around the world has been incredibly open to new ideas and willing to learn.”

However, he says, the slow adoption rate can be attributed to the abundance of tools available, not all of which meet farmers’ specific requirements. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable acceleration in technological adoption, with millions of farmers benefiting from solutions provided by Cropin. The company has digitally transformed millions of acres of agriculture emphasising the importance of building trust and expanding outreach continually. “About 7 million farmers around the world have benefited from our solutions, and we have digitised 30 million acres of agriculture so far. We understand that reaching out to more people and earning their trust is a continuous process,” Pankajakshan said.

While widespread implementation of smart farming practices remains a work in progress, significant strides are being made through collaborative efforts between the public and commercial sectors. Farmers confronted with challenges such as climate change, pest infestations, and crop failures, are actively seeking innovative solutions to enhance their farming practices.

Cropin offers predictive insights into pest and disease outbreaks, allowing farmers to take proactive measures to minimise crop losses. Moreover, the company provides tailored guidance from planting to harvesting, leveraging region-specific data and environmental conditions. Facilitating access to such solutions is crucial for farmers, Pankajakshan said that as they need to be within their budget, solve everyday problems, and get the word out about how technology can improve their lives in terms of productivity, profitability, and quality of life.

Apart from this, by addressing critical issues such as financial inclusion and digital literacy, Cropin aims to empower farmers and foster a supportive ecosystem. “The sector and farmers are facing enormous challenges, and no one entity can possibly solve them all. It takes the

Ai-driven systems, open-source software, and other digital tools will be useful to revolutionise farming practices. Like many other countries, India too is slowly beginning to embrace this transformative trend to enhance food production and consumption efficiency.”

Juzar Khorakiwala, Chairman & Managing Director, Biostadt Group of Companies

Facilitating access to tech solutions is crucial for farmers, as they need to be within their budget, solve everyday problems, and get the word out about how technology can improve their lives in terms of productivity, profitability, and quality of life.” Anuja Kadian, Government and & Industry Affairs Director (Asia Pacific), Corteva Agriscience

combined efforts of many different groups working together, and we at Cropin know that this includes governments, agribusinesses,

NGOS, development agencies, international organisations, banks, and more. While doing so, we lower the price and increase accessibility of our products. So that farmers feel both empowered and, most importantly, supported, they also receive the full support of the entire ecosystem”, Pankajakshan points out.

Adding to this perspective, Juzar Khorakiwala acknowledges the varying levels of awareness among farmers. He says, “farmers who grow cash crops like grapes, apples and other fruit crops that augment their income, are mostly aware about new or smart technologies.” While such farmers are adopting smart irrigation techniques and precision agriculture methods, others may require further education and support to fully embrace new technologies.

Navigating challenges, embracing solutions

While precision agriculture holds immense potential for enhancing agricultural practices, several obstacles impede its widespread adoption. The complexity and high cost of the technology involved stand as primary barriers. Precision agricultural tools require significant investments in hardware, software, and farmer training,

posing challenges for farmers, particularly those in developing nations and smallholder settings. Furthermore, issues related to compatibility and data quality arise from the lack of standardisation and interoperability among different platforms and devices. Concerns regarding data ownership, privacy, and security, alongside questions of consumer trust and acceptability, add social, ethical, and legal complexities for farmers.

Addressing the challenge of small farm sizes, certain players are purposefully focusing on providing tailored solutions for these farmers. Smart irrigation, sensors, biotechnology, automation, drones, satellite and GPS technologies are among the tools available to help small-scale cultivators optimise resource utilisation. Not only do these technologies promote conservation of non-renewable resources, they also reduce reliance on harmful agrochemicals. Additionally, they enable farmers to mitigate the impact of unpredictable or extreme weather conditions by proactively planning and adapting their strategies.

Proposing solutions to these challenges, Khorakiwala emphasises the role of government intervention, particularly in funding Research and Development (R&D) efforts. He said, ”government support can alleviate the high costs and lengthy development timelines associated with R&D, fostering scientific innovation and technological advancements.” This support and funding, he said, could come from a variety of sources, including government grants, and tax incentives.

A lack of knowledge and education on technology adoption, and the digital gap among farmers are some of the biggest obstacles to integrating technological solutions into India's agricultural industry. Furthermore, expanding subsidies to cover tech-based solutions that enhance sustainability and productivity will incentivise more farmers to adopt them.

Nikita Tiwari, Co-founder of NEERX, underscores the importance of government initiatives to penetrate technological solutions further into India’s agriculture sector. This includes providing subsidies and incentives for technology adoption, investing in rural infrastructure such as electricity and internet connectivity, and fostering collaborations between startups and farmers to ensure the relevance and accessibility of solutions. Moreover, she said, manufacturing tech solutions specific to India’s agro-climatic zones could enhance their accuracy and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

As the world grapples with the challenges of food security, climate change, and resource scarcity, smart farming offers a beacon of hope. By harnessing the power of datadriven insights, autonomous machinery, and precision agriculture techniques, farmers can enhance productivity, reduce waste, and ensure sustainable food production for future generations. While the journey towards widespread adoption may be gradual, owing to infrastructure limitations, the collective efforts of stakeholders promise to reshape India's agricultural landscape and propel the nation towards a resilient and prosperous future.

In conclusion, the path to smart farming in India is paved with challenges and opportunities. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and empowering farmers, India can unlock the full potential of smart agriculture and usher in a new era of prosperity for its agricultural sector. As the nation navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing world, smart farming stands poised to revolutionise Indian agriculture and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

The low tech adoption rate of technology and a wide broadtargeting approach over the past four years have hindered progress. Startups focusing on niche segments could potentially drive more impactful innovation and adoption. Additionally, the heavy reliance on government subsidies in agriculture has posed a barrier to investor funding, especially for startups with government contracts.”

Nikita Tiwari, Co-founder, NEERX

About 7 million farmers around the world have benefited from our solutions, and we have digitised 30 million acres of agriculture so far. We understand that reaching out to more people and earning their trust is a continuous process.”

Praveen Pankajakshan, Vice President and Head, Cropin AI Labs