- Agro Tech India will be a milestone for Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural future: CM Yogi
- Uttar Pradesh leads the way in tech-driven Farming: CM Yogi
- UP is a powerhouse for agriculture not only in India but for world: Manoj Kumar Singh
TIL Desk Lucknow: 👉 Extending a warm welcome to the representatives from various countries, including the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Spain, and Uganda, along with officials from across India and the government of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, inaugurated the four-day Agro Tech India event.
During his address at Vrindavan Yojana Park in Lucknow, the CM acknowledged the presence of the Minister and Ambassador from the Netherlands.
In his speech, CM Yogi stated, “I am pleased that CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, is working to increase farmers’ incomes by making better use of technology in agriculture. This event is a significant step in that direction.”
CM Yogi further expressed his gratitude to CII for organizing the event in Uttar Pradesh for the first time, noting that the event is usually held in Chandigarh. “It is a matter of great pride for us that different stakeholders are coming together, and I believe this program will be a milestone for Uttar Pradesh,” he added.
Highlighting the significance of agriculture in Uttar Pradesh, he stated that UP is home to 17% of India’s population and possesses 11% of the country’s arable land.
“With fertile land and abundant water resources, Uttar Pradesh produces over 20% of the country’s total food grains on just 11% of its agricultural land,” he explained.
Addressing the challenges in the agricultural sector, CM Yogi pointed out two major issues- reducing the cost of farming and increasing the adoption of technology to make agriculture chemical-free, accessible, and sustainable. “Over the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has taken numerous steps to benefit agriculture and farmers,” he concluded.
CEO Roundtable on the Future of Farming
In the ‘CEO Roundtable on the Future of Farming’ session, Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh addressed the delegates, stating that UP is recognized as the agricultural powerhouse of India, contributing 20 percent of the country’s food production. Despite its potential, UP is not achieving optimal production, and a major transformation is needed.
“Uttar Pradesh is the only state where 75 percent of the land is dedicated to agriculture, making efficient irrigation essential. Logistics plays a critical role, and we plan to soon start using cargo planes for logistics to save time and improve farmers’ market access,” he said.
Netherlands’ Vice Minister of Agriculture, Jan Kees Goet, praised India’s remarkable progress over the past decade, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. “What India is achieving in agriculture is commendable, and I believe what we see is what we believe,” he remarked.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Ravindra Kumar emphasized the importance of investment in agriculture. He stressed improving the supply chain for seeds, fertilizers, and logistics while informing farmers about new schemes and their benefits.
He assured delegates that the government is ready to assist with any investments in Uttar Pradesh, expressing enthusiasm for supporting such endeavors.
Strategic Country Session – Netherlands
In a strategic country session – Netherlands at the Krishi Bharat event, Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, Manoj Kumar Singh, extended his gratitude to the Netherlands for being a country partner. He highlighted that Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of farmers and the most extensive land under cultivation in India, with a significant portion of the population engaged in agricultural activities, making agriculture a key contributor to the state’s GDP.
Mr. Singh assured that the government of Uttar Pradesh is committed to providing full support to Dutch companies interested in setting up production and sales units in the state. He also emphasized the deep agricultural heritage in Uttar Pradesh, where 60 percent of the population is engaged in farming, with generations of knowledge passed down. He mentioned the ongoing project by Siddhivinayak to establish a potato industry in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh.
“The government of the Netherlands is leaving no stone unturned to bring Dutch agricultural companies to set up their production units here,” said Vice Agricultural Minister of the Netherlands, Jan Kees Goet.
He added, “We are excited to partner with Uttar Pradesh to make it a hub for sustainable agriculture practices, cutting-edge farm equipment manufacturing, and improved crop yields.”
The session saw participation from key dignitaries including Marisa Gerrard, Jan Kees Goet, Hendrik Jan Rofst, and Michel Van Erkel.
Session on Transforming Agriculture with Data and AI
On the inaugural day of CII AgroTech – Krishi Bharat 2024, an exclusive session titled ‘Transforming Agriculture with Data and AI’ was organized in collaboration with Microsoft. The session featured expert speakers from Microsoft, including Ajay Chabbra, Alok Lall, Ajith Radhakrishnan, Sapna Nauhria, and Saptrishi Mondol.
They shared valuable insights on how the adoption of data and AI can revolutionize agriculture. The panel discussed the use of advanced technologies such as data analytics and satellite-driven insights to enhance soil quality, increase crop yields, and boost overall productivity.
Farmers and other attendees were introduced to practical applications of these innovations, focusing on how sustainable farming practices can be achieved by using smarter resource management and precision agriculture.
The session highlighted the transformative potential of AI and data in making agriculture more resilient, efficient, and economically viable.
Session on Mechanization to Promote Sustainable Agri Practices
In a roundtable session titled ‘Mechanisation to Promote Sustainable Agri Practices’ brought together experts to discuss transforming farming into a sustainable and entrepreneurial venture. The session focused on enhancing efficiency through mechanization, with farmers actively engaging with panelists to gain insights on adopting sustainable, profitable farming practices.
Session on Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Agri and Food Value Chains
Today, a round-table discussion titled ‘Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Agri and Food Value Chains’ brought together distinguished panelists to explore the transformative role of technology in agriculture. The session featured insights from experts on integrating technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and create sustainable value chains.
During this event, a book titled “AgTIVE 2.0: Agtech Innovations for Viable Enterprises” was also unveiled, highlighting the latest advancements and opportunities in agri-tech. The session also provided valuable guidance on how innovations like digital solutions, precision farming, and automation can address challenges and empower farmers for a sustainable future.
