Discussion on Agricultural Growth with Climate-Resilient Technologies for a Sustainable Future

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The VIF in collaboration with Primus Partners, New Delhi held a brainstorming session on “Agricultural Growth with Climate-Resilient Technologies for a Sustainable Future” on 8 January 2025. The session focussed on the role of technology in agriculture, current status, identified problems and offered policy options in the context of India. It explored innovative technological solutions that can help agriculture adapt to changing climate patterns, while maintaining productivity and sustainability. The role of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), digital technology, block chain, and robotics in precision farming; space technology in crop monitoring, land use mapping, weather forecasting, water and disaster management; challenges and opportunities in technology adoption; technical education and training to farmers; role of industry, think tanks and AgriTech startups were highlighted during the session; and, underlined the need for a robust strategy in the context of India.

Director, VIF, Dr Arvind Gupta and Chairman, Primus Partners, Davinder Sandhu co-chaired the meeting. The distinguished panel members of the session are: Dr JR Bhatt, Distinguished Fellow, VIF, a prominent climate and biodiversity expert; Prof. Hari Babu Srivastava, Professor of Practice, IIT Delhi, & former DRDO Scientist; Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd.), Director General, ISpA; Mr Shishir Priyadarshi, President, Chintan Research Foundation; Mr Vijay Sardana, Advocate Supreme Court & Techno-Legal Expert, Shriram Institute for Industrial Research (SIIR); and, Mr Kundana Kumar Lal, President, Vitti Foundation. Senior government officials, representatives from the industries, academics and strategic community participated in the discussion who explored the intersection of agriculture and technology in the face of climate change.

It was noted that India, the world’s seventh-largest country by area, is home to over 1.4 billion people, with agriculture serving as the primary livelihood for approximately 70 percent of rural households. For many, it is not only a source of food but also a means of income and sustenance. Small and marginal landholding, outdated farming practices, and environmental impacts are notable aspects of Indian agriculture. Essentially, 82 percent of the country’s farmers are small and marginal, with limited landholdings and diverse cropping practices. Agriculture is a critical pillar of India’s economy, contributing 17.8 percent to the national GDP, as noted in the Economic Survey of India (2020-21) and employs around 40 percent of its population, with its impact being particularly significant among rural households. However, the sector remains highly vulnerable to extreme climate events, including erratic weather patterns and extreme events that threaten its long-term sustainability. These challenges call for urgent adoption of climate-resilient technologies and practices to secure food systems, improve livelihoods, and ensure sustainable agricultural development across the country.

For addressing the challenges posed by climate change, therefore, India must prioritize the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural systems that integrate sustainable farming practices. These systems aim to ensure long-term productivity and increase farm incomes despite the uncertainties of climate variability. By focusing on sustainable management of natural resources, climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) enhances both crop and livestock production. This approach empowers farmers to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to climate-related risks, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. The Indian government has formulated various schemes to make agriculture more resilient to climate change. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is one of the Missions within the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Besides the climate change challenge, other significant challenges in Indian agricultural sector include fragmented land ownership limits the scale, affordability, and sustainability of farming practices; persistent overuse of water, pesticides, and herbicides; farm residue burning; and, high initial costs limit use of technologies. Furthermore, the digital divide, a lack of awareness among farmers, lack of workforce skills, the absence of subsidies, inadequate R&D, limited agro-extension services, and missing insurance options in the private sector contribute significantly to farmers’ challenges. There is also a gap between technology innovator, manufacturer and end users in the agricultural sector. Localized AI innovations, support for startups in model development, and affordable technology solutions are necessary for widespread adoption in diverse agricultural contexts.

Hence, the session recommended for providing targeted financial support, including subsidies and incentives, to make tools such as IoT, drones, and micro-irrigation systems more accessible to small and marginal farmers. It also recommended to implement targeted training programmes to develop workforce skills among farmers; sustainable water management and drip irrigation for agricultural resilience; and, strengthening research focused on region-specific challenges such as high-altitude farming, drought resilience, and the development of bio-inspired technologies. The use of technologies such as AI, geospatial technologies, genetically modified crops, and other innovative solutions were suggested as ways to improve agricultural productivity and doubling farmers’ income. The private sector involvement is necessary to support agriculture and address funding needs. Particularly, industry and think tanks need to take responsibility for funding and investing in R&D of climate-resistant agricultural technologies.

Notably, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities in technology adoption, the session highlighted the need for a comprehensive technical education, industry collaboration, and the active involvement of AgriTech startups. It emphasized the need for a well-crafted strategy tailored to India’s distinct agricultural landscape, one that fosters sustainable growth, while addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change. In this regard, investing in innovative, adaptive, and sustainable agricultural practices will be key to securing food systems and supporting livelihoods. The discussion further emphasized the importance of prioritizing region-specific solutions, strengthening the resilience of small and marginal farmers, and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders.