Dharmendra Pradhan launches UP Agritech Innovation Hub, Startup to connect farmers with technologists

Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan has launched an Uttar Pradesh Agritech Innovation Hub and Agritech Startup and Technology Showcase at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT) in Meerut today. The hub aims to gather farmers, technologists, researchers, innovators, and stakeholders from state agricultural departments, academia, and agri-tech startups to “co-create and adopt region-specific, scalable solutions.”

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education has also jointly inaugurated the hub along with the education minister.

Notably, an agreement was signed between Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar and SVPUAT to support academic and research collaboration in agritech, as per the official statement.

Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for motivating technology-based agricultural innovations across the country and said: “The recent Union Budget announced the establishment of a 'Centre for Excellence' to ensure that the benefits of cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and data analytics reach India's agricultural fields. The responsibility assigned to IIT Ropar to work on "AI in Agriculture" as a Centre of Excellence has culminated in the creation of this Agritech Innovation Hub.”

“The service sector in the country has reached global standards, the fundamental basis of India’s prosperity still lies in its agricultural land. Prime Minister’s vision for the upliftment of farmers is being realised in Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath. The state is now gaining new vitality through the confluence of technology and innovation,” the minister added.

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Features of Agritech Innovation Hub

“The Agri-tech Innovation Hub is equipped with IoT-enabled sensors, smart irrigation systems, automation technologies, and a real-time analytics platform to drive precision farming and promote sustainable agriculture,” the official statement reads.

IIT Ropar has also announced that it will infuse components from its Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Lab including IoT sensors, automation systems, and cloud computing infrastructure with a commitment of up to Rs 75 lakhs in the agri-tech hub.

“The hub will also feature the installation of advanced data analytics platforms to enable real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making. In addition, IIT Ropar will offer technical expertise and guidance through its domain experts in IoT, AI, and CPS to support both implementation and ongoing monitoring,” the statement added.

Furthermore, a session on technology demonstration was held at the Model Smart Farm at SVPUAT. Surya Pratap Shahi, Cabinet Minister for Agriculture, Agricultural Education, and Agricultural Research, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Rajeev Ahuja, director, IIT Ropar; KK Singh, vice chancellor, SVPUAT and other dignitaries also took part in the event.

Around 20 agritech startups presented their products and services in the event and several farmers were also honoured in recognition of their contributions to modern and sustainable farming practices.