The Times of India | April 26, 2023
The Amrit Kaal phase in Indian agriculture is expected to bring about a digital revolution in farming, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to empower farmers. The government's plan to build a digital public infrastructure for the agriculture sector is set to be a game changer, enabling an inclusive farmer-centric ecosystem with access to information services for crop planning, farm input, credit, and insurance. The integration of technologies such as sensors, transmitters, AI, and IoT in agriculture can optimize crop growth conditions, improve efficiency, and reduce risk and waste. The adoption of smart agricultural practices is crucial to meet the increasing demand for food due to population growth. India's swift adoption of smart farming practices, including the electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) and tech-driven tools like drones, has improved the lives of smallholders and transformed farming dynamics. The responsible application of frontier technologies in agriculture will not only empower rural households but also create employment opportunities and enhance the efficiency of the agriculture sector as a whole.