Press Release

Technology-Led Smart Agriculture Holds the Key to a Viksit Bharat: Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog

ASSOCHAM organised AgriTech 3.0: Smart Agriculture for Viksit Bharat

ASSOCHAM organised AgriTech 3.0: Smart Agriculture for Viksit Bharat, bringing together eminent policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss how technology, innovation, and data-driven agriculture can transform India’s agricultural landscape.

Chief Guest Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, graced the occasion and delivered the keynote address, stating, “Technology-led smart agriculture holds the key to building a Viksit Bharat. The agri-tech landscape is evolving rapidly, from genetic modification and precision farming to data science and ICT-based advisory systems. Farmers today must have access to capital, knowledge, and partnerships that enable them to adapt to this transformation. Every technology brings both a solution and a challenge; we must ensure innovation also respects sustainability and environmental balance. India is not just a food-secure nation, but one moving toward value addition and climate-smart agriculture.”

He further added, “Forty-six percent of the population is employed in the agricultural sector, making it the largest contributor to the Viksit Bharat mission, with significant growth observed in Tier II regions such as Assam and Madhya Pradesh.”

Guest of Honour Dr. Praveen Kumar Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, shared his insights on building a sustainable and data-driven agricultural ecosystem. “Our focus must be on making agriculture both productive and sustainable. Platforms like upag.gov.in are integrating agri statistics, Fasal Bima, crop yield, and Kisan Credit Card data to ensure informed decision-making. Waste-to-wealth initiatives, such as converting crop residues into CBG, and schemes like KUSUM, are linking energy efficiency with crop cultivation. With digital agriculture and real-time intelligence, we are working to make data available in farmers’ local languages, enabling every farmer to benefit from technology-driven solutions.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Sagar Kaushik, President – Global Corporate & Industry Affairs, UPL Limited, welcomed all dignitaries and participants, emphasizing the global nature of agricultural responsibility and climate action. He said, Global initiatives like COP30 and the United Nations’ climate agenda remind us that agriculture must be part of the climate solution, not the cause. Farmers are the real heroes; not just food producers, but climate protectors. It is time we recognise and celebrate their strength, resilience, and innovation. Policies must stand with farmers and transform their image from zero to hero. Consumers, too, must acknowledge their critical role in climate protection. With sustainable practices, permaculture, and organic farming, we can truly say: #AFarmerCan.

Mr. N.K. Aggarwal, Co-Chairman, Agri Inputs and Farming Practices Council, ASSOCHAM, and Chairman, Crystal Crop Protection Limited, highlighted the importance of technology implementation and holistic policy execution, noting: “Smart farming is the cornerstone of a Viksit Bharat. While the government has launched numerous schemes for farmers, effective implementation at both central and state levels is essential. AgriStack is a landmark initiative connecting 7.5 crore farmers and enabling farm-level data integration. The Digital Agriculture Mission, supported by EY, is creating a foundation for tailored farm solutions using geospatial data and satellite monitoring. This journey will convert small land holdings into potential opportunities, bridging the gap between farmers and consumers through customised food programs.

Providing an industry perspective, Dr. R.G. Agarwal, Chairman Emeritus, Dhanuka Agritech Limited, highlighted the critical role of regulation and innovation in crop protection: “Earlier, licensing in the pesticide sector ensured quality, but with de-licensing, quality standards are deteriorating. Pesticides today act as a form of ‘Kisan Insurance’. As exotic pests destroy our crops, we urgently need new technologies and innovative pesticides to protect farmers’ livelihoods. Climate change has brought new challenges, and only through research and quality control can we safeguard India’s food security.

On the occasion, a joint Knowledge Report by ASSOCHAM and EY titled “The New Agri-Tech Paradigm: From Innovation to Integration for a Future-Ready Agriculture in India” was unveiled by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.