Technology to Drive India’s Agricultural Goals for 2047, Says NITI Aayog’s Ramesh Chand

Key Takeaways

Technological innovations like AI and mechanisation are essential for the future growth of India’s agriculture sector.
Collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders is crucial for agricultural advancements.
Challenges such as climate change and resource constraints require urgent attention to ensure sustainable agricultural growth.

Agritech Revolution Targets Productivity and Sustainability

At AgroSpectrum Technovate 2026, Ramesh Chand, a member of NITI Aayog, emphasized that India’s agriculture sector faces a pivotal moment where technology will define its future. The event gathered stakeholders to discuss how digital agriculture, AI, and mechanization can drive transformation, as highlighted by Ravi Boratkar, Publisher & Managing Editor of AgroSpectrum. He pointed to the Baramati AI model in sugarcane farming, which has led to up to a 60% increase in yields, showcasing the potential of data-driven solutions.

Prof. Ramesh Chand delivered a Vision Talk, asserting that the effective application of technology is key to agricultural progress. He noted that India’s agricultural growth rate has been impressive, with a rise in prices and an expected stabilization in growth rates, but stressed the need for global market access to boost production further. Technological advancements must align with Viksit Bharat 2047’s goals for sustained economic and agricultural growth.

Chand identified biotechnology, digital technologies, space science, and advanced engineering as crucial pillars of the emerging agritech revolution. He noted that AI policies, like Maharashtra’s, need collaboration with agricultural scientists for effective outcomes and further stressed the importance of marketing technologies to capture the premium food market.

Dr. C. D. Mayee highlighted the need for practical technology that reaches farmers and mentioned an AI-driven pest prediction model currently benefiting cotton farmers. Meanwhile, T. R. Kesavan of TAFE Ltd discussed how mechanization is vital for addressing labor shortages and improving efficiency, advocating for “Agriculture as a Service” to make equipment accessible without ownership.

Overall, discussions at AgroSpectrum Technovate 2026 made it evident that enhancing productivity and market competitiveness through innovative technology is vital for transforming Indian agriculture as the country works toward becoming a developed economy by 2047. Innovations in AI, biotechnology, and mechanization are expected to play significant roles in achieving this vision, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure a thriving agricultural ecosystem.

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