India’s Union Agriculture Minister has made a strong pitch for accelerating the transfer of agricultural technology from research institutions directly to the farmers’ fields. Speaking at a recent national conference on innovation in agriculture, the minister emphasized that scientific advancements in areas such as precision farming, climate-resilient crops, and smart irrigation must be made accessible to farmers in a timely and effective manner if India is to strengthen its food security and rural economy.
Highlighting the disconnect between lab-based research and ground-level adoption, the minister noted that while India’s agricultural scientists have made notable strides in developing improved crop varieties, soil health solutions, and digital tools, many of these innovations remain confined to academic circles or experimental plots. He urged agricultural universities, research organizations, and agri-tech startups to work closely with state governments and extension agencies to bridge this gap.
The minister also stressed the need to make technology more understandable and affordable for small and marginal farmers, who form the backbone of India’s agricultural system. He pointed out that modern tools such as mobile-based advisory services, drone-based crop monitoring, and low-cost weather forecasting can greatly improve farm productivity if implemented at scale and customized to local needs.
In his remarks, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), rural agriculture technology centers that serve as key hubs for farmer training and demonstrations. He called for better coordination among these centers, agri universities, and industry players to ensure that research benefits are translated into tangible results on the ground.
The minister also welcomed private sector involvement in promoting agri-tech solutions, especially startups that focus on artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and data-driven farm management. However, he cautioned that these technologies must be inclusive and designed to serve farmers of all sizes, particularly those in underserved regions.
In conclusion, the agriculture minister stated that the time has come to move beyond pilot projects and take innovations to scale. He emphasized that empowering farmers with the right technology is not only vital for improving yields and incomes but also essential for making Indian agriculture more sustainable and competitive in a changing climate.
By
