Speaking at the inauguration of a virtual workshop on ‘Innovative Technological Interventions in Agriculture,’ organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), he stated that technology adoption can enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability in agriculture.
Choudhary highlighted that India has made significant strides in the agriculture sector, with the production of food grains touching a record high of 308.65 million tonnes in 2020-21. However, he also acknowledged that the sector faces challenges such as shrinking landholdings, depleting water resources, climate change, and high input costs, which can be addressed by technology adoption.
He urged farmers to embrace new farm technologies like precision farming, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve their yields and profitability. The minister emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to facilitate the transfer of technologies from research institutions to the farmers' fields.
Choudhary also highlighted the government's initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Kisan Credit Card, and Soil Health Card, which aim to provide farmers with financial security and access to credit, while also promoting sustainable farming practices.
The workshop witnessed the participation of more than 1,000 scientists, researchers, and agriculture professionals who discussed technological interventions in crop production, horticulture, livestock management, and fisheries.
The ICAR has been at the forefront of agricultural research and development in India, with its 106 institutes and research centers working towards enhancing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and profitability.
In conclusion, Choudhary's call for mass adoption of modern farm technologies is crucial for achieving the government's goal of a five trillion-dollar economy. The Indian agriculture sector has immense potential, and technology can play a vital role in realizing this potential while also addressing the sector's challenges.
The government's initiatives and public-private partnerships can provide the necessary support and infrastructure to facilitate technology transfer and adoption, which can ultimately benefit the farmers and the economy at large.
