Agri-technology

With agriculture employing a large workforce yet facing productivity pressures, SMAM aligns with national goal of doubling farmers’ income.

In a significant boost to global agricultural cooperation, agriculture ministers from BRICS nations concluded their two-day meeting here with the unanimous adoption of the “Indore Declaration.”

While the initiative has generated excitement among policy makers, experts note that deepening AI adoption in agriculture will require strengthened infrastructure – including rural broadband, sensor networks and interoperable data systems – as well as a focus on data privacy, inclusion, and affordability for marginal farmers.

As India grapples with climate change and food security, Bharat Vistaar represents a forward-thinking step toward resilient farming. By bridging traditional practices with AI, it promises to uplift millions of farmers, fostering economic stability and innovation in the sector.

Gulfood 2026, being held across the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, serves as a crucial platform for global food industry stakeholders, policymakers, and businesses.

Indian agricultural scientists say the new AI-based model needs to be developed further, to provide the most useful data for all those who need it.

The roadmap underscores how agriculture must evolve beyond incremental improvements to meet challenges including climate volatility, resource depletion and the imperative of significantly boosting farmer incomes.

The activists alleged that data was selectively used, negative trial results ignored, and unsubstantiated performance claims amplified in order to push the technology into Indian farms without adequate scientific basis or regulatory rigour.