IoT, AI, and Blockchain to Revolutionize Agriculture, Boosting Crop Yields by 20%: Synergy Technofin and Snailintegral Report
08 December 2024, New Delhi: Agriculture and rural development remain central to India’s sustainable growth and economic progress. Recognizing this, Snail Integral Pvt. Ltd. hosted the Agriculture and Rural Communication Summit 2024 on Friday at the Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi. The summit brought together experts and policymakers to explore innovative communication strategies, policy alignment, and collaborative approaches to bridge gaps in rural and agricultural sectors, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047.
A major highlight of the event was the release of “The SnailShow Coffee Table Book” and a knowledge paper titled “Rural Communication and Agriculture in India: Pathways to a Viksit Bharat 2047,” co-authored by Synergy Technofin Pvt. Ltd. and Snailintegral. The coffee table book showcased sustainable agricultural initiatives led by top industry players, while the knowledge paper emphasized the transformative potential of digital technologies like IoT, AI, and Blockchain in reshaping Indian agriculture.
During the inaugural session, Mr. Deepak Shah, Chairman of SML Limited, stressed the urgent need to reduce dependence on imports, promote local manufacturing, and enhance communication to introduce new agricultural technologies to farmers. He also called for simplifying the registration process for patent-acquired molecules, enabling Indian companies to offer proven, effective solutions that benefit farmers and the nation.
Dr. Rajarshi Roy Burman, ADG (Ag. Extension), ICAR, highlighted significant advancements in digital agricultural extension services, particularly through the rollout of the VISTAAR AI Chatbot in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Bihar. He noted progress in creating bluebooks for network specifications, training extension workers, and integrating digital tools to enhance agricultural outreach.
Dr. P.K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India, emphasized the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. He discussed initiatives like Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems and the development of new seed varieties aimed at reducing chemical and fertilizer use. He underscored the critical role of effective communication in educating farmers about these initiatives through digital platforms, workshops, and on-field demonstrations.
Mr. Augusto Rodríguez-Villa, Founder President and CEO of AlgaEnergy, Spain, shared insights into global collaborations, highlighting partnerships with Indian scientists to develop high-tech, economically viable agricultural solutions.
The knowledge paper presented during the summit detailed how cutting-edge technologies like IoT and AI can transform Indian agriculture. IoT sensors, satellite data, and AI-driven advisories can provide farmers with real-time insights into crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns. AI-powered tools are expected to offer localized recommendations on crop selection, irrigation scheduling, pest control, and market prices, potentially increasing yields by up to 20% in certain regions.
Augmented Reality (AR) was also identified as a game-changer in agricultural training, offering farmers step-by-step guides for equipment repairs, pesticide application, and crop management through mobile devices. AR-based virtual farm tours and training modules are poised to immerse farmers in realistic scenarios, enhancing their understanding of modern agricultural practices.
Blockchain technology emerged as another transformative solution, offering transparency and security in agricultural transactions. By enabling farmers to sell directly to consumers or retailers, Blockchain can eliminate middlemen, improve supply chain traceability, and empower farmers to negotiate better prices, reducing economic vulnerabilities.
The knowledge paper also stressed the importance of promoting digital literacy in rural areas, empowering women in agriculture to foster socio-economic resilience, and adopting localized communication strategies using regional languages and voice-based solutions to overcome literacy barriers. These steps are seen as essential to achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The summit featured panel discussions on critical topics such as sustainability in agriculture, the role of communication in addressing emerging challenges, empowering farmer communities through strategic communication, and technological innovations for effective farmer engagement. The event concluded with a call for unified efforts to harness advanced technologies and inclusive strategies to ensure the success of India’s agricultural sector, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.
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