Revolutionizing Indian Agriculture
The rural and agricultural sectors play a vital role in the economic development and sustainable growth of any nation. Recognizing the importance of these sectors, Snail Integral Pvt. Ltd has organized a full-day summit on “Agriculture and Rural Communication Summit 2024” on 6th December 2024 at Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi.
The purpose of the summit is to discuss the innovative agriculture & rural communication strategies, policy alignment, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to bridge the gaps for a Viksit Bharat 2047.
During the summit ‘The SnailShow Coffee Table Book” & Knowledge Paper on ‘Rural Communication and Agriculture in India: Pathways to a Viksit Bharat 2047" was released. The SnailShow Coffee Table Book has highlighted the initiative of top industry leaders in the field of sustainable agriculture.
While addressing the inaugural session Mr. Deepak Shah, Chairman, SML Limited said "To boost Indian agriculture, we need to reduce dependence on imports, promote local manufacturing, and improve communication with farmers about new technologies. Additionally, simplifying the registration process for patent-acquired molecules can encourage Indian companies to bring in proven, safe, and effective products, ultimately benefiting farmers and the country."
While addressing the summit Dr. Rajarshi Roy Burman, ADG (Ag. Extension), ICAR highlighted “ICRA has taken many steps towards digital delivery system such as VISTAAR AI Chatbot roll out in 5 states like Madhya Pradesh, UP, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Bihar(April end); technology winroom sessions continue for technology and network integration; bluebook and network specifications drafted and shared for reviews; 20 trainings conducted for capacity building and onboarding of extension workers on to VISTAAR ChatBot and 14 Master trainers from 8 pilot states have been trained”.
Dr. P.K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India, emphasized the importance of sustainability in agriculture, stating that the Indian system of agriculture is based on sustainability. To promote sustainable practices, the government is implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems and developing new seed varieties to reduce chemical and fertilizer use . Effective communication is crucial in supporting these efforts, and educating farmers about sustainable practices can be achieved through digital platforms, workshops, and demonstrations.
Mr. Augusto Rodríguez-Villa, Founder President and CEO, AlgaEnergy, Spain said “In terms of technology collaboration between two countries particularly in case of our company, AgriEnergy, we are dealing with a group of Indian scientists, that are collaborating together with us in developing new products with high technology. We are developing products that are really very efficient and economically rentable for future agriculture
During the 2nd edition of “Agriculture and Rural Communication Summit 2024 a knowledge paper on “Rural Communication and Agriculture in India: Pathways to a Viksit Bharat 2047”by Synergy Technofin and Snailintegral was also released.
The report highlights the need for future-forward solutions to transform rural communications and agriculture such as advances in Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain technology. These innovations are set to transform the way farmers work, making data-driven agriculture more accessible and empowering them to increase yields, improve crop quality, and enhance their livelihoods, said Mr. Amit Khare, Founder, Snailintergal.
The integration of IoT sensors, satellite data, and AI-driven advisories will provide farmers with precise insights into crop health, soil moisture levels, and weather forecasts. AI-powered tools can analyze local data to offer personalized recommendations on crop choices, irrigation scheduling, pest control, and market prices, leading to potential yield increases of up to 20% in certain regions, said Mr. Sunil Sihag, MD, Synergy Technofin Pvt. Ltd.
Augmented Reality (AR) technology is also poised to play a significant role in agricultural training and development. Through mobile devices, AR applications can guide farmers through tasks such as equipment repair, pesticide application, and crop care, providing step-by-step instructions with visual overlays. Virtual farm tours and training modules can help farmers understand new techniques, such as crop rotation and irrigation, by immersing them in realistic, interactive environments, Mr. Amit Khare, Founder, Snailintergal added.
In addition, Blockchain technology is set to bring transparency and security to agricultural transactions, enabling farmers to sell directly to consumers or retailers, bypassing middlemen. This technology can also foster traceability in the supply chain, allowing farmers to negotiate better prices and reducing economic vulnerabilities.
A knowledge paper has also highlighted the importance of digital literacy, strategic partnerships, and inclusive communication strategies to empower rural India. Key findings includes: collaborating with local schools and institutions to promote digital literacy; empowering women in agriculture to enhance productivity and socio-economic resilience; developing segmented communication strategies to cater to diverse demographics and using local languages and dialects, with voice-based solutions, to overcome literacy barriers. These initiatives will aim to contribute to the mission of making India a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The day long summit has focused on various panel discussions such as sustainability in agriculture: The role of communication to combat emerging challenges; empowering farmer communities through communication: strategies for impact; technologies transforming communication strategies and innovations for effective farmer’s engagement.
[Based on inputs from Press Release]
