Program Report for NABARD: Smart Agriculture Summit in Telangana
Organize by BCC&I
Introduction
Market linkage plays a pivotal role in empowering rural producers, ensuring that their efforts
are not only productive but also profitable. Strengthening connections between producers,
markets, and consumers helps bridge the gap between supply and demand, fostering
economic growth and sustainability in rural communities.
The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) is providing an essential platform to
Producer Organizations (POs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Gram Udyog initiatives,
enabling them to showcase their products, connect with larger markets, and explore
opportunities for collaboration. This initiative focuses on creating robust market linkages that
empower small-scale producers, improve livelihoods, and promote rural entrepreneurship.
This report outlines the collaborative efforts of NABARD and BCCI to integrate market
linkage as a core objective, leveraging smart agriculture practices and rural development
strategies to strengthen India’s grassroots economy.
Key Program Highlights
1 Technology Integration
Development and implementation of drone-based agriculture practices for
enhanced productivity.
Introduction of IoT applications and hydroponics for efficient resource
management.
Collaboration with startups and tech companies to pilot emerging agricultural
technologies.
2 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
Programs like Agri Gaddi Vardhan aim to strengthen FPOs through management
development training.
Emphasis on digital marketing skills for better market access.
Facilitated credit linkages enabling FPOs to adopt advanced technologies like
drones.
3 Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Initiatives such as watershed development and JIWA (agroecological
transformation) to promote natural farming.
Implementation of solar rooftop projects and green taxonomy programs for
renewable energy use in agriculture.
4 Livelihood Enhancement
Support for aquaculture complexes and advanced meat production technologies to
diversify income streams.
Training programs aimed at upskilling 5,000 individuals in mangrove nursery
management under PMKVY 4.0.
Key Messages from the Speakers
Srimathi Deepthi Sunil (DGM, NABARD, Hyderabad)
Emphasized NABARD’s commitment to leveraging technology to address
production, post-harvest, and market linkage challenges.
Highlighted collaborations with UNDP and other global partners for sustainable
agricultural innovations.
Stressed the importance of FPOs and capacity-building programs like Agri Gaddi
Vardhan in transforming rural economies.
Dr. Sravanand Raj (Director General, MANAGE)
Discussed Hyderabad’s role as an agricultural knowledge hub, housing prestigious
institutes like ICAR, CRIDA, and NAARM.
Advocated for integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology to ensure
sustainable practices in soil and water management.
Proposed crop diversification from cereals to horticulture for increased farmer
profitability.
Mr. Ram Kondonya (Agri-tech Expert)
Highlighted the need for market-driven agriculture to ensure better returns for
farmers.
Presented examples of successful collaborations between startups and farmers to
test AI-based solutions in agriculture.
Advocated for placing processing units near production fields to reduce costs and
enhance profitability.
Achievements and Outcomes
1. Technological Advancements:
Deployment of drone technology for precision agriculture.
Successful integration of IoT in aquaculture and hydroponics projects.
2. Market Linkage Enhancement:
Strengthened connections for farmers via platforms like Agmarnet with
access to 3,917 markets nationwide.
3. Capacity Building:
Over 60 micro-entrepreneurs trained in leveraging digital tools for marketing.
Expansion of FPO capacity-building programs across Telangana.
4. Sustainability:
Enhanced adoption of natural farming through climate-resilient projects.
Initiated large-scale solar rooftop projects to supplement agricultural income.
Conclusion
The advancement of agriculture and rural development hinges on fostering sustainable
practices, empowering grassroots producers, and establishing robust market linkages.
Through initiatives that combine traditional wisdom with modern technology, stakeholders
can address challenges in production, post-harvest management, and market access, ensuring
that rural communities thrive in a competitive global economy.
Efforts like those led by NABARD and supported by platforms such as the Bengal Chamber
of Commerce & Industry play a vital role in driving this transformation. By providing
Producer Organizations (POs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Gram Udyog initiatives with
opportunities to connect with larger markets and adopt innovative practices, these
collaborations pave the way for inclusive growth and prosperity.
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, the collective focus must remain on
empowering smallholder farmers, enabling sustainable practices, and strengthening the entire
value chain. Together, these actions will contribute to a resilient rural economy, secure
livelihoods, and a sustainable future for all.
