The agriculture sector in India, a linchpin of the economy contributing 16% of the GDP and employing over half the population, is at a pivotal moment. As the world’s largest democracy looks to feed its burgeoning population and enhance farmers’ livelihoods, the integration of technology into agriculture is no longer a choice but a necessity. However, the journey towards a tech-enabled agricultural future is fraught with challenges, particularly when it comes to the adoption of advanced technologies by small and marginal farmers.
The Indian agricultural landscape is dominated by smallholders, with over 80% of farmers cultivating landholdings of less than five acres. These fragmented lands pose a significant challenge for agritech solutions designed for large-scale farming. Moreover, the high cost of advanced technologies like IoT sensors and precision farming tools often puts them out of reach for these farmers, making the return on investment seem unattractive. This is where scalable innovations like satellite-based sensing come into play.
Satellite remote sensing, combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning, can monitor soil nutrient levels, manage pest and disease risks, and support irrigation water management across large areas of farmland. Unlike IoT sensors, which can cost hundreds of dollars per year, satellite technology offers information for the whole farm area at a considerably lower cost—usually less than 5% of the price of sensors. This makes it an affordable and practical solution for smallholder farmers, enabling them to optimise crop management and improve productivity.
However, the adoption of agritech solutions is not just about affordability. It’s also about relevance and accessibility. India’s diverse climate and varied farming practices mean that a one-size-fits-all solution won’t work. Agritech start-ups must provide region-specific products tailored to the unique needs and challenges of different farming communities. This could involve developing tools that cater to specific crops, soil types, or weather patterns, ensuring that the technology is not just accessible but also useful to the farmers.
Pricing models also play a crucial role in the adoption of agritech solutions. A scholar cited that the cost of any new technology farmers must consider has to be less than or equal to 10% of the total farming cost. This is crucial for adoption. Agritech start-ups should embrace affordability, offering their products at a cheaper cost and within reach of many farmers. Other revenue models, such as fee-for-service or usage plans, where the farmer pays only for what is used, can also make technology more accessible.
Education and support are equally important. Agritech companies must incorporate education campaigns to inform farmers about the benefits of using these products. This could involve human capital development programmes, farmer organisations, or local associations. Hands-on training and demonstrations can help farmers overcome hesitation stemming from a lack of familiarity, making technology adoption more likely.
The role of the government and the private sector is also pivotal. While government grants and subsidies have been instrumental in attracting funding to agritech start-ups, the long-term model will require the involvement of both public and private entities. Policies that encourage agritech growth, create private-sector incentives, and guarantee support for farmers transitioning to better technologies are essential. Scaling efforts via public–private partnerships can help deliver appropriate support to farmers.
As the agriculture sector stands at a crossroads, scalable innovations like satellite-based sensing, region-specific tools, and inclusive pricing models offer a path toward a more sustainable and tech-enabled agricultural future. The Indian agritech industry is at a turning point, and the power of technology to transform agriculture is evident. However, addressing challenges such as cost, accessibility, and uptake will be key to realising this vision. With the right strategies and collaborations, India can lead the way in making advanced technology accessible to small and marginal farmers, not just within its borders but also globally.
