Neha BaruahAgri Conference 2024
The India Digital Agri Conference 2024 took place in New Delhi, jointly organized by the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) and IIT Ropar TIF – AwaDH. This event brought together experts, farmers, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the transformative role of digital technologies in agriculture, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient farming landscape in India.
The Digital Agriculture Mission
Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, highlighted the importance of the Digital Agriculture Mission. This initiative aims to modernize agriculture by leveraging data and digital tools. Through real-time information, farmers can make better decisions—like knowing the optimal time to sow or harvest, receiving weather forecasts, and adopting pest control measures—all of which increase productivity and reduce risks.
Conference Goals
The event was focused on several crucial themes:
- Reimagining Traditional Farming:
Moving beyond outdated agricultural practices, the conference encouraged the adoption of modern technologies to boost efficiency and reduce wastage. - Fostering Innovation:
Technology-driven solutions were highlighted as a way to address key challenges faced by farmers, such as irrigation management, crop health monitoring, and yield forecasting. - Collaboration Across Sectors:
Participants emphasized the importance of partnerships among farmers, researchers, and tech developers to ensure effective solutions for current agricultural challenges.
Sustainability and Climate Resilience
A significant portion of the discussions revolved around promoting sustainable farming practices and building climate resilience. The speakers stressed that farming must evolve to balance productivity with environmental responsibility. Climate-resilient agriculture—powered by data analytics and precision farming tools—can help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns, droughts, and other environmental challenges.
Policy Dialogue and Collaboration
The event also provided a platform for policymakers, industry experts, and researchers to exchange ideas on how to integrate technology effectively in agriculture. Conversations focused on government policies that can incentivize the use of agri-tech solutions, ensuring that both large and small farmers benefit from these innovations.
Digital Market Platforms
One of the critical takeaways was the role of digital platforms in improving farmers’ access to markets. These platforms offer a way for farmers to connect directly with buyers, bypassing intermediaries and securing fairer prices for their produce. This shift can significantly improve the income of smallholder farmers, enhancing their economic well-being.
Shaping the Future of Agri-tech in India
The India Digital Agri Conference 2024 outlined strategies to position India as a global leader in agri-tech. By addressing present challenges and promoting collaborations between technology providers, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders, India aims to foster sustainable growth in agriculture. The conference concluded with a shared commitment to empower farmers, improve livelihoods, and make Indian agriculture future-ready.
Neha Baruah
