India’s agricultural sector stands at a critical juncture. With 150 million farmers contributing 18 per cent to the nation’s GDP, the sector is facing newer challenges that traditional farming methods can no longer adequately address. Be it shifting weather patterns, deteriorating soil health, or unpredictable pest attacks, we are seeing an environment where reactive farming is no longer sustainable. This uncertainty trapped farmers in borrowing cycle of debts and financial distress. Beyond this, an issue is delayed information. Most of these issues go unnoticed until the damage is beyond repair, leaving farmers reactive instead of prepared.
However, that equation is finally changing with the help of AI and satellite intelligence. From predicting and analysing soil health in hours instead of weeks to combining with sensor and satellite data to get precisely customised advice, new generation agri-tech is giving farmers foresight. And this is what makes the difference between survival and surplus.
The country’s farming sector is changing, with rising concerns creating potential for smarter solutions. Climate shifts have challenged rainfall patterns, with irregular monsoons now affecting nearly 70 per cent of the country’s farmland. Building on the issue is a significant gap in access to timely information. While many sectors now thrive on real-time data, farmers in rural areas are only beginning to access such timely insights. Challenges like pest attacks, crop stress, or nutrient gaps can still catch them off guard, but this is changing fast with the advent of new technologies.
