CII AgroTech 2024 Focuses on Empowering Farmers with Advanced Seed Technologies and Climate-Smart Solutions
Strategic Use of Data and Advanced Technologies Can Transform Water Management in Agriculture: Experts at CII AgroTech 2024
Clonal Agriculture Forestry: A Promising Sustainable Solution for Uttar Pradesh Farmers
Lucknow, November 18,2024: The last day of CII Agrotech India Krishi Bharat 2024 hosted a session on – ‘Sustainable Agriculture for a Resilient Future: Integrating Innovation, Climate Action, and Community Empowerment’, where experts explored innovative practices, climate-smart solutions, and empowering strategies for the farming community.
Highlighting the importance of technology in farming, Mr. Asim Arun, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Social Welfare, Scheduled Caste and Tribal Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh, stated, “Farming is the basic need for every one of us. Advanced technology in farming is a must and the need of the hour. It will not only address challenges but also increase farmers’ profits. Agriculture finance and market linkages are vital to empower farmers and improve their livelihoods.”
Panelists, including Mr. Puneet Pandey, DGM, Leads Connect Services Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Alok Verma, Project Director, Samuday and My Clean City, HCL Foundation; Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR – Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants; Mr. Pradeep Mishra, Sr. Vice President, Aries Agro Ltd.; and Mr. Ashish Srivastava, emphasized the need for quality seeds, advanced seed technologies like drought-resistant varieties, and educating farmers on scientific crop management. They also discussed adopting climate-smart agricultural techniques to improve productivity and resilience.
The panel further addressed the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and actionable intelligence in enhancing farming outcomes. Another discussion featuring Awnesh Singh, Shenoy C. Mathew, Umakant Pandey, Saurabh Rai, and Vijay Vardhan highlighted the benefits of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in promoting collective growth, improving market access, and boosting productivity.
Bridging Gaps: Technology, Partnership & Irrigation at CII Agrotech Krishi Bharat 2024
The fourth day of the prestigious CII Agrotech Krishi Bharat 2024 featured a conference on Water & Irrigation Management on the topic- ‘Bridging Gaps: Technology, Partnership & Irrigation’. The session brought together esteemed government officials, industry leaders, public sector bank representatives, and CII officials to explore transformative solutions for enhancing water and irrigation management across India.
Shri Baldev Singh Aulakh, Honourable Minister of State, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the state government’s strong commitment to water conservation and promoting sustainable farming practices. He stressed the importance of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water delivery directly to crop roots. He stated, “The government is incentivizing farmers to adopt water-efficient practices and diversify crops like millets, vegetables, and fruits, which require less water.”
Shri Bhavdeep Sardana, Chairman, CII Northern Region Committee on Water, underscored the critical role of efficient water management in fostering economic growth. He emphasized, “Strategic use of data and advanced technologies can significantly reduce water consumption while fostering sustainable agriculture.” He also lauded government initiatives like PMKSY and Jal Shakti Abhiyan, which focus on rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems.
Shri Sharad Chandak, CGM, Lucknow Circle, State Bank of India, acknowledged the significant role of the banking sector in agricultural development. He discussed schemes such as Kusum Yojana, which subsidizes solar-powered pumps, and Per Drop More Crop, which supports the adoption of eco-friendly irrigation systems.
Shri Sandeep Kumar, Engineer-in-Chief, Irrigation & Water Resources Department, Uttar Pradesh, highlights the state’s expansive canal network, which connects rivers and ensures reliable irrigation.
Agroforestry: An Innovative Alternative to Wheat and Paddy Cultivation
A dedicated session titled ‘Agroforestry: An Innovative Alternative to Wheat and Paddy Cultivation’ educated farmers from across Uttar Pradesh on sustainable cropping systems. Clonal agriculture forestry emerged as a promising practice, offering long-term profitability despite higher initial costs.
The session stressed the importance of soil testing, which helps farmers select suitable crops and tree species for optimal yields. Experts also highlighted the economic potential of sandalwood trees, known for their high market value and lucrative returns.
Speakers, including Dr. Ajay Thakur from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Mr. Mukesh Kumar Tyagi, Director Technical at Naini Papers Limited, and Mr. Utkrisht Pandey, shared actionable insights on agroforestry practices. Their guidance inspired farmers to diversify crops, enhance soil health, and embrace sustainable practices for a prosperous future.
The event concluded with a strong emphasis on innovation, education, and collaboration as critical pillars for building a resilient agricultural sector.
