Agriculture Today - April 2024

April 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 1
2 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

From The group Editor's Desk
President
President
Time for Water Resilient

Dr. MJ Khan
Dr. MJ
CEO & Khan
Group Editor
Group Editor
Mamta Jain
Mrs Anjana Nair
Group Executive Editor
Editor, Agri News
Rajni Shaleen Chopra
Sanjay Kumar
Editor Agri News
Agriculture
AndhraKumar
Sanjay Pradesh During the 2011 census, India entered the league of water deficient nations,
Satish B Gadde which means the per capita availability of water fell below 1700 cubic
Andhra
Assam Pradesh meters per person. In years to come, this is to fall further. Many cities have
Jyoti Bikash
Satish Babu Nath
Gadde started to wither under water crisis. Bengaluru currently faces a shortage of
Assam
Bihar 500 million litres of water per day (MLD) against the actual requirement of
Jyoti Bikash
Girendra Nath
Narayan 2,600 MLDs. It is time to make tough decisions.
Bihar
Gujarat
Rakesh Jani
Girendra Narayan Water is the lifeline for agriculture. A water abundant country, our agricultural
Haryana practices have been traditionally inclined towards water intensive methods
Bijender Singh Dalal
Bijender Singh Dalal
BUREAUS
of irrigation, utilizing surface water resources.As per the Central Water

Himachal
Himachal Pradesh
BUREAUS
Pradesh Commission, 85.3% of the total water consumed was for agriculture in the
Rakesh
Rakesh Kumar
Kumar year 2000. Free power and subsidized agriculture has engendered mindless
Karnataka
Karnataka
Santosh Langer extraction of groundwater leading to a drastic reduction in the groundwater
Santosh Langer
ATG
Maharashtra levels. Despite the urgency of the situation, we are yet to approach it with
ATG
Maharashtra an iron fist.

Pasha
Pasha Patel
Patel
OF
Madhya Pradesh
OF
Madhya Pradesh Our approach should be multipronged - counting on the judicious use of
Rakesh Dubey
HEADS
Rakesh Dubey irrigation water, water harvesting and irrigation on user per need basis.
STATEHEADS
Punjab
Punjab Fortunately, with advances in precision agriculture, remote sensing and
Puneet Singh Thind
Puneet Singh Thind
Rajasthan development of sensors, we have means to monitor the actual needs of the
Rajasthan Singh Chauhan crop and deliver water accordingly. However, there still remains the larger
STATE
Parvinder
Parvinder
Tamil NaduS Chauhan question of how accessible these technologies are to small farmers. Ag
Telangana
Raju Narasimman water solutions that can increase yield and incomes of small holder farmers
Jaipal Reddy
Telangana with reduced water usage are to be promoted. For that we need innovators.
Tamil Nadu
Jaipal Reddy
Raju Narasimman
Uttar Pradesh The DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge thrown open by the DCM Shriram
Uttar Pradesh
Umesh Shukla Foundation & The/Nudge Prize stands as an innovation catalyst for water-
Umesh Shukla
Uttarakhand smart agriculture. This 16-month long competition with a Prize purse of INR
Uttarakhand
Narendra Singh Mehra 2.6 cr, is to ensure development of innovative solutions which are scalable for
Narendra Mehra efficient and sustainable water use in agriculture, thereby creating
Admin &
Admin & IT
IT Head Anil Kumar
Head -- Anil resilient livelihoods for small and marginal farmers
TEAM
IT Manager - Ankit Kumar

SUPPORTTEAM
IT Manager - Ankit in the face of water stress. So far the challenge

Sr. Business Manager - Vinita Singh has shortlisted 16 organizations from a pool
Assistant Editor -- Rida
Assistant Editor Zaman Almas of 134 applicants!These sixteen AgWater
SUPPORT
Business Manager
Asst. Manager, Digi- Tasmin
Mktg - Tanya Kalra
Tech Innovators are actively addressing
Web Designer - Deepak Singh
Web Designer - Mr Rahul
agricultural water challenges in India
Graphics - Akash Bhargav
Circulation
Subscription - Rajkumar
- Mohd Aijaz through a wide range of solutions.
Circulation - Rajkumar
It was exciting for Agriculture Today
DESIGN
Graphic Designer
Designer to collaborate with DCM Shriram
DESIGN
Graphic
A. Rehman
A. Rehman Foundation and learn about these
innovators, some of whom have
cover PIcture Credit - Sneha Koppula been covered in this edition.
Publisher & Printer – Dr. MJ Khan on behalf of M/s Con- Besides them, this edition also
cept Agrotech Consultants Limited, Published from 306 covers players who are actively
Rohit house Tolstoy Road New Delhi-110001 and printed
by Everest Press E-49/8, Okhla Industrial Area-II New trying to bring about a solution to the
Delhi-110020 water crisis and addressing them
Phone No. 011-23731129 Fax No.011- 23731130 quite effectively. It was heartening
E-mail: editor@agriculturetoday.in
info@agriculturetoday.in to know that the future is not bleak
and there is still hope for humanity.
No part of this magazine can be reproduced, imitated or
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system or extracted in any way without permission from
the publishers. Views expressed in the magazine need not
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Page in the magazine: 60
Content
VOLUME XXVII | ISSUE 4 | april 2024
From The Group Editor's Desk 03

DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge
Securing Water and Prosperity for 1 Million
Farmers 09
06
tête-à-tête with ANJANA
Community Goals Mr. Ajay S Shriram
Women-led Community Participation 24
16
Alternative Routes
Water Conservation in Rice 26
Innovation Stories
Irrigation As a Service: AgriRain's Journey 30 State Focus
Mr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal
DIGITAL AGRICULTURE
Harnessing IoT: Enhancing Agricultural Efficiency
19
and Sustainability 34
Success Story
Improved Agriculture through
Water Conservation 36 In Conversation
VISUAL STORY 38 Mr. Simon Wiebusch
Technology Tweaks
BHUNGROO: Saving Water, Saving Life 40
Food Security
Growing the Future
PERSPECTIVE
42 22
Viewpoint
Agriculture Value Chain Transformation mr. Kaushal Jaiswal
Role of Consultancy 44
Agri FinTech
Transformative Influence of Technology on Crop
Insurance
Webinar
47
28
CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Empowering Women 50 Mr. Shailendra Singh Rao
Sustainable Agriculture
Biogas Slurry for Sustainable Agriculture 52
Market Analysis
Pesticide Trends in India
Report
54 32
Water Management
Uttar Pradesh Agrotech 2024 56
Mr. Crispino Lobo

tête-à-tête with Anjana
Ushering in Transformative Change

Exploring Sustainable Water Management Practices in Agriculture
Water crisis is looming large globally. It is high time, Indian agriculture pursue sustainable water
management practices and embrace innovative approaches. In an exclusive interview with Ms. Anjana Nair,
Group Editor, Agriculture Today; Mr. Ajay S Shriram, Chairman & Sr Managing Director, DCM Shriram Ltd,
discusses the water crisis and advocates solutions to address the same.
How well-endowed is India with

water resources? Are we facing a
water crisis in agriculture?
India possesses approximately 4% of
the world's freshwater resources, despite
To address the having 18% of the global population.

Therefore the nation is indeed faced with
water crisis in a severe water crisis, particularly with
its impact on agriculture. It's widely ac-
agriculture in India, knowledged that a water crisis can ham-
the next action per economic growth, livelihoods, human

well-being, and ecological sustainability.
plan should focus Instances of lengthy queues for water
tankers and parched crops due to insuf-
on sustainable ficient rainfall are not uncommon.
water management Despite possessing surface water

resources, India heavily relies on ground-
practices and water for everyday survival, a depend-
ence attributed to the demands of the
diversification of green revolution. With over 20 million
water sources for wells, often operating with subsidized

power, they have significantly contrib-
agriculture. uted to the depletion of this invaluable
resource. Among all sectors, agriculture
and food security are most intricately
linked to water. With the population and
purchasing power on the rise, the coun-
try's annual food requirements will only
escalate.
A detailed examination of crop culti-
vation across various states reveals that
suboptimal planting practices exacerbate
water stress. Water-intensive crops like
sugarcane and paddy are predominantly
cultivated in states like Maharashtra and
Punjab. Despite the considerable water
demand, Maharashtra alone contributes

22% of the nation's sugarcane output,
while Bihar's share is merely 4%.
Similarly, in Punjab, groundwater
sources supply 80% of the water used
for irrigating paddy fields. Additionally,
India's international trade in agricultural
commodities is exacerbating water loss
through the export of water-intensive
crops. Water shortages not only affect
agriculture but also pose challenges to
industrial operations and urbanization,
thus impeding India's aspirations for eco- intensive crops in water-stressed regions. effectively improve water use
nomic growth. At the micro level, each State must ad- efficiencies. How can a country
dress various aspects. Efficient delivery like India which is dominated
70-80 % of irrigation in India is of water from small irrigation schemes by small holder farmers look
dependent on ground water and necessitates involvement and support of
for a wider adoption of these
our water tables are receding. end-users, with decentralized manage-
technologies?
What should be our next action ment through Farmer Producer Organiza-
To expedite the widespread adoption of
plan? Where can agriculture tap tions (FPOs) or Water User Associations.
water-efficient technologies like drip irri-
for more water? Furthermore, promoting climate-resilient
gation and IoT among smallholder farm-
To address the water crisis in agriculture agriculture and indigenous seed varieties
ers in India, a multifaceted approach can
in India, the next action plan should focus is crucial for mitigating the impact of cli-
be implemented.
on sustainable water management prac- mate change. Incentivizing micro-irriga-
Firstly, financial support mechanisms
tices and diversification of water sources tion and gradually mandating its use for
such as subsidies or financial assistance
for agriculture. certain crops can significantly enhance
can be instituted to make these technolo-
It's noteworthy that water management water efficiency. Establishing institutional
gies more accessible and cost-effective
falls within the purview of both the Centre frameworks for managing water bodies
for smallholder farmers.
and the States under Article 246 of the and supporting water-use efficiency start-
Secondly, conducting capacity-building
constitution, appearing in both List 1 and ups are also imperatives towards sustain-
initiatives like training programs and
List 2. To address national-level chal- able water management.
workshops can effectively educate farm-
lenges, establishing a National Water ers on the advantages and proper utili-
Council akin to the GST model would be There are many technologies like zation of these technologies, thereby en-
pertinent. This council, comprising repre- drip irrigation, IoT etc., that can
sentation from Chief Ministers or at least
Irrigation Ministers of each state, and co-
ordinated by the Central Ministry of Wa-
ter Resources, should focus on three key
objectives.
Firstly, it should strive to achieve a po-
litical consensus to curb the unrestrained
extraction of groundwater, including ad-
dressing the practice of providing free
electricity for irrigation pumps. Secondly,
it should ensure that water management
institutions assess watersheds and river
basins holistically, rather than focusing
solely on geographic boundaries. Thirdly,
the council should work towards realign-
ing the country's cropping patterns to en-
hance agricultural sustainability, incen-
tivizing water-intensive crops in surplus
water areas and promoting less water-

hancing their understanding and willing-
ness to embrace them.
The DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge aims to
Thirdly, the establishment of demonstra-
tion farms can serve as practical show-
unlock prosperity for 1 million Indian farmers
cases where smallholder farmers can by inducing scalable innovations within India’s
witness firsthand the effectiveness of wa-
ter-efficient technologies, fostering trust
agricultural water ecosystem, particularly
and confidence in their utility.
Furthermore, fostering collaborative part-
targeting cereals and cash crops
nerships among diverse stakeholders in-
cluding government agencies, research ciency and conservation. ity at scale.
institutions, NGOs, and private sector en- Monitoring and Reporting Mecha-
tities can facilitate the exchange of knowl- nisms: Establishing robust monitoring How was the response to the
edge regarding water-efficient technolo- and reporting mechanisms to track water challenge?
gies.By implementing these strategies usage in agriculture, identify inefficien- The response to the challenge has been
and fostering an enabling environment, cies, and ensure compliance with water highly encouraging. An eighteen mem-
India can empower smallholder farmers conservation measures can enhance ac- ber jury comprising of sector experts and
to integrate water-efficient technologies. countability and transparency in water other key stakeholders has been formed
The learnings would help in increasing management. to assess the applications. The selection
farmer’s income as well provide a plat- process will evaluate entries based on
form where knowledge will be shared What is the idea behind DCM impact, readiness, and affordability, and
freely for the benefit of all communities. Shriram AgWater Challenge? will be done in three stages. This diverse
The DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge set of participants includes AgTech and
What policy level changes aims to unlock prosperity for 1 million Social Impact Entrepreneurs who have
would you recommend to bring Indian farmers by inducing scalable in- showcased their solutions tailored spe-
accountability and efficiency in novations within India’s agricultural water cifically for water-intensive crops such as
water usage in agriculture? ecosystem, particularly targeting cereals rice, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton. From
To bring accountability and efficiency in and cash crops. This initiative seeks to a pool of 134 applicants, 16 organiza-
water usage in agriculture, several poli- build productivity and prosperity for wa- tions have been shortlisted to compete
cy-level changes can be suggested. ter-stressed smallholder farmers, thereby for a total prize fund of INR 2.6 crores,
Shift to Volumetric Irrigation Water improving their economic outcomes. with INR 60 lakh allocated for the three
Fees: Implementing a shift from fixed to The challenge, launched by the DCM finalists
volumetric irrigation water fees can pro- Shriram Foundation in partnership with These sixteen AgWater Tech Innova-
mote accountability by charging farmers The/Nudge Prize, seeks to catalyze inno- tors are actively addressing agricultural
based on the volume of water they use, vations at scale in water use efficiency for water challenges in India through a wide
encouraging efficient water usage and smallholder farmers. It addresses press- range of solutions. Their efforts encom-
discouraging wastage. ing issues such as unpredictable weather pass data-driven and smart irrigation sys-
Promotion of Crop Diversification: patterns, source sustainability, ground- tems, IoT-powered embedded hardware,
Encouraging farmers to diversify from water exploitation, legacy farm practices, user-friendly Geo-AI platforms for precise
water-intensive crops like rice and wheat fragmented tech-based innovations for water management, portable moisture
through policy incentives can help reduce smallholder farmers, and weak govern- measurement probes, and advanced im-
overall water consumption and promote ance. These issues contribute to chal- aging technology. Additionally, some in-
sustainable water usage practices. lenges in water availability, farm produc- novators are pioneering an "Irrigation-as-
Reforming Agricultural Support Poli- tivity, and ultimately, income generation. a-Service" model aimed at providing af-
cies: Reforming agricultural support The potential of the DCM Shriram Ag- fordable and equitable irrigation systems.
policies to align with climate change Water Challenge lies in building a long- These innovative approaches hold
adaptation goals can enhance the abil- term approach by focusing on solutions immense potential to significantly en-
ity of farmers to reduce water usage in that enhance smallholder farmer resil- hance water utilization and boost the
agriculture. ience and promote climate- and water- profitability of smallholder farmers. We
Incentivizing Sustainable Practices: smart practices. There is an urgent need are eagerly waiting for the final outcome,
Providing incentives for the adoption of to identify and champion solutions that and are confident that it will drive trans-
sustainable agricultural practices like drip can alleviate water stress on agriculture formative change in water use within In-
irrigation which can improve water effi- and improve smallholder farm productiv- dian agriculture.


Securing Water and Prosperity for 1 Million Farmers
A
griculture and water are inex- The DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge, as
50% for sugarcane)
tricably linked. It is an estab- an innovation catalyst for water-smart agri-
• improve farmer profitability by at
lished fact that 70% of fresh culture is a 16-month long competition with
least 40-50% through better SHF
water withdrawals in India a Prize purse of INR 2.6 cr. The challenge
package of practices
goes into Agriculture. Around is an attempt to inspire innovative solutions
• deliver these tech intervention at
60% of irrigation in India is dependent on which are scalable for efficient and sustain-
costs not more than 20% of the
groundwater. Unfortunately, India has able water use in agriculture, thereby creat-
cost of cultivation
reached an alarming position as regards to ing resilient livelihoods for small and mar-
• demonstrate a verifiable pool of
ground water availability. Overexploitation ginal farmers in the face of water stress.
5,000 SHF (or, 5,000 hectares)
of groundwater and reduced availability of
by the end of the challenge
rainfall owing to climate change have start- Selection Process
ed to impact agriculture. Therefore it has Specifically designed giving enough time
become more pertinent now for concerted for the contestants to conceptualise, re- of the selection panel comprised of AgWa-
efforts in the area of water conservation. search and design, each contestant’s jour- ter ecosystem spanning across investors,
ney began with a selection process, where knowledge institutions, CSOs etc with a
DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge their concepts were vetted through the lens collaborative assistance from the advisors
DCM Shriram Foundation has been creat- and mentors.
ing sustainable impact among rural com- DCM Shriram Foundation & The/ At the 1st phase, among the 134 ap-
munities of India. The organisation’s em- Nudge Prize have thrown open a plications received, the evaluators (The/
phasis on integrated rural development challenge to AgTech innovators Nudge Prize team), checked for the rele-
addresses community needs through all- & Agri Social Entrepreneurs from vance of the solutions to the problem state-
round development for a measurable im- across the globe to develop & scale ment to shortlist 80-100 organisations from
provement in quality of life by focusing on demonstrable solutions for Indian
Manoj Ahuja,
livelihood, healthcare, sanitation, environ- smallholder farmers (SHF) growing
Secretary, Ministry
ment and education fine cereals (rice or wheat) or cash
of Agriculture
Water in agriculture is an equally im- crops (sugarcane or cotton). The aim
(MoAFW)
portant aspect for promoting economic would be to
“Agriculture needs
empowerment of farmers through enabling • improve cropping water efficiency
unprecedented at-
environment for water conservation and or reducing water consumption by
tention & techno-
improve water-use efficiency in agriculture. at least 40-60% ( 60% for rice |
logical support to empower smallholder
Inspiring Scalable Innovationss 40% for wheat | 30% for cotton |
farmers and make their practices re-
silient in the face of unseasonal rains,
groundwater depletion & unpredictable
Ajay S Shriram, Chairman and Sr. Managing Director, DCM Shriram climatic shifts. At the MoAFW, we have
Ltd. and Board Member, DCM Shriram Foundation taken major initiatives for agriculture
"Water is a vital resource, as much as 80% of water in India modernisation through infrastructural
is utilized for agriculture and what's concerning is that up to shifts, mechanization, policy and pro-
60% of this precious resource is said to go to waste. Over moting technological proliferation. It’s in
the years, unregulated extraction of groundwater has result- times like these that we need initiatives
ed in an alarming fall in the water table across the country. like the DCM Shriram AgWater Chal-
Such a scenario can be a threat to food security as well lenge, to discover, spotlight & champion
as livelihood for millions of farmers. With this background, modern solutions to address systemic
there is a pressing need to enhance water usage efficiency in agriculture through challenges in improving water efficiency
innovative and sustainable solutions. Hence any intervention for large-scale water & productivity at scale; for our largest
conservation will essentially need to work closely with the needs of agriculture." crops”

Kanishka Chatterjee, Director, The/Nudge Prize

The DCM Shriram AgWater “While lucrative solutions addressing agri-water problems have
Challenge, as an innovation gained momentum in recent years, there has been far less
vitality in affordable and accessible models for the small and
catalyst for water-smart marginal farmers. Their high dependence on groundwater and
increased vulnerability to water stress/climatic changes, land
agriculture is a 16-month long productivity, price and market risks call for audacious prob-
competition with a Prize purse lem solving. An inducement challenge like the DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge,
pushes AgTech to develop, demonstrate & deploy rapid innovation for this critical
of INR 2.6 cr. problem.”
a pool of 130+ applications .

Aman Pannu, President, DCM Shriram Foundation.
The 2nd stage screening involved
“Any effort aimed at conserving water on a large scale must closely
bringing down the applicants to 78 ap-
align with the needs of agriculture. Such a program would have to navi-
plications and this was by assessment of
gate through a complex web of factors, including weather conditions,
shortlisted applications by a selection panel
selection of crops and varieties, yield potential, water requirements of
(18 members) composed of ecosystem
crops, available irrigation resources, water-saving technologies, agro-
partners on the below criteria (descending
nomic practices, agricultural extension services, accessibility of agri-
order of weightage)
cultural inputs, electricity availability, and numerous other variables.”
○ Product/solution fit
○ Impact on farmers
○ Scalability The stage 3 involved assimilation of tions to gauge the proposed strategic
○ Technological readiness all the scores and normalising for evalu- plan for the solution. Based on consul-
○ Entrepreneurial fit ator variability and creating a contestant tations with advisors and mentors, best
Each application was evaluated by two pack of 26 organisations. An assignment 16 organisations were identified to form
different members was rolled out to the top 26 organisa- the cohort.
Conceived by Srinivas Malladi in 2015, AgriRain proposes a Data-driven Irrigation as a

Service (IaaS) using hose reel rain gun system for small land parcels.
Proposed Solution
• Movable and towable irrigation system (innovative hose reel rain gun system adapted to
small land parcels)
• Data-driven Irrigation as a Service (IaaS) model, that can be shared by a cluster of 60-100
farmers in a serviceable model to reduce expenses
• Provide at Rs.1000@10mm per acre
Srinivas Malladi
Founded by Jagriti Dabas in 2019, CropCure, powered by Arms4AI, works on Geo-AI
based crop/farm diagnosis.
Proposed Solution
● Geospatial web application: A technology-driven platform that leverages space data to
provide valuable agricultural, water, and carbon advisories for actionable insights in the field
● Through satellite imaging and advanced AI/ML analysis, offers data-driven farm insights
leading to increasing crop yields and improving WuE
Jagriti Dabas

Founded by Amandeep Panwarand Rishabh Choudhary in 2016, BharatRohan uses hy-

perspectral imaging and thermal imagery through drone deployment, offering insights into
AgWater management.
Proposed Solution
• Hyperspectral Imaging - a combination of multispectral, high-resolution RGB, and
thermal imagery based decision Support System
• Retrofit hyperspectral cameras into drones, to monitors crops, detecting minuscule
colour changes that indicate pest or disease infestation
Amandeep Panwar and
Rishabh Choudhary
Founded by Sanjay Dasari and Karthik Jayaraman in 2019, Censa

provides IoT powered end-to-end crop management system.
Proposed Solution
• Provides accurate irrigation recommendations at both individual
plot and regional levels by collecting crop and soil moisture data
using GWX100, GSX Soil (on field monitoring devices)
• The data is analyzed on AI and ML platforms, for both crop type
and crop stage, using both real time and historical data enabling the
delivery of daily irrigation recommendations through Mobile applica-
Sanjay Dasari and Karthik Jayaraman tion, SMS and WhatsApp - Censa Reap
Founded by Santana Gopal Komandur in 1985, Centre for Environ-

ment Concerns works on regulating root zone moisture by moisture
diffuser to reduce water application and improve soil biology/crop
productivity.
Proposed Solution
• SWAR (System of Water for Agriculture Rejuvenation) - An inte-
grated moisture diffuser embedded at plant root zone, to accurately
measures moisture at the plant root zone, add-on to existing drip
system
• This technology optimizes irrigation schedules and improves the
effectiveness of plant and soil nutrient application, ultimately boosting
crop productivity
Gopal Komandur

Established in 2010 by Krishna Kumar and Kunal Prasad, Cropin proposes predictive
and prescriptive machine learning based crop advisory service.
Proposed Solution
Enabling comprehensive crop planning and management utilizing remote sensing data
and an integration of satellite, weather, and ground data for predictive and proactive
water utilization this is applicable to both irrigated and rainfed farms
Krishna Kumar and Kunal Prasad
Established in 2016 by Mallesh T M, Sudarshan

B S and Bhavana M, CultYvATE works on IoT-en-
abled Alternate Wetting & Drying (AWD) solution.
Proposed Solution
IoT based AWD solution in Paddy to
• Measure - Data acquired through remote sen-
sors
• Notify - Analyse data through AI/ML and pro-
vide smart advisory to the farmers
• Monitor - continuous monitoring through auto
Mallesh T M, Sudarshan B S and Bhavana M escalate
Established in 2018 by Narayan Lal, Gurjar Pu-

ran Singh and Rajput Ankit Jain , EF Polymer
has developed a biodegradable super absorbent
polymer technology.
Proposed Solution
● Fasal Amrit - organic and water retention poly-
mer, made from fruit peels that degrades in the
soil within 12 months. Water-insoluble polymer
is a three-dimensional network structure, cross-
linked with UV- light due to this, it can absorb
water 80-100X than its dry weight and gradually
release the same asper the plant’s demand. Narayan Lal, Gurjar Puran Singh and Rajput Ankit Jain

Founded by Shrilesh Rajendra Mande and Shubham Sanjay Pardeshi

in 2018, Industill Farmtech, works on IoT based sensors to monitor and
manage irrigation effectively.
Proposed Solution
• Autofarm (1 patent granted & 3 Trademarks registered) - wireless,
modular irrigation automation system that collects data through in-
house IoT-based sensors and manages irrigation effectively
• Automates fertigation through an advanced fertigation unit with ro-
bust hardware and software, providing a platform for data-based cus-
tomized advisory
• Currently priced at 10-12K/Acre Shrilesh Rajendra Mande & Shubham Sanjay Pardeshi
Founded in 2018 by Tarang Patel and Priya Patel, Intech Har-

ness Pvt Ltd., works on IoT-enabled data-driven irrigation au-
tomation.
Proposed Solution
Jalaprayah Autotech pump controller - Automates farm irrigation
with an ability to respond to power and water disruptions, oper-
ates through mobile application, eliminates human intervention,
brings precision irrigation thereby reducing water and carbon
footprint.
Tarang Patel and Priya Patel
Founded by Amit Saraogi and Dr. Clementine Chambon, Oorja,

provides Pay-Per-Use solar irrigation service and farm advisory.
Proposed Solution
• Oonnati - A Pay-Per-Use community irrigation service that ena-
bles farmers to transition from diesel-based pumping to affordable
and reliable solar irrigation along with complimentary climate e-
smart farmer advisory services
• Water Pumping Charge: between 3.5 to 4 INR per cubic meter
• Each pump allows typically 15-25 farmers with avg landholding
of 1.5 acres and with adjoining farmland to access irrigation water
year-round on demand.
Amit Saraogi and Dr. Clementine Chambon

Established in 2019 by Prajwal M. and Shivanand S, Oscillo Ma-

chines Pvt. Ltd., propagates Self-propelled rider type Root Washed
Paddy Transplanter and DSR(Direct Seeded Rice).
Proposed Solution
• Electric and Diesel operated Farm Machinery powered by lithium
ion batteries, mechanizing the traditional practices and thereby im-
proving efficiency
• Diesel Operated Rider On Type Transplanter with efficiency : 1
acre 2-3 hours
• Diesel Operated Rider On Type E-DSR
• Paddy Weeder with efficiency: 0.5-1 acre per day
Prajwal M. and Shivanand S
Established in 2019 by Naveen Singh and Ajay Mishra, PhyFarm has developed a data
driven intelligent irrigation and fertigation system.
Proposed Solution
• Community Irrigation Support:
• Real-time Data- Access water quality and soil moisture data in real-time through sensor
technology
• Irrigation Schedule - Implement a comprehensive irrigation schedule with real-time
alerts and notifications via WhatsApp
• Affordable Irrigation Starter Kit (25,000 INR):
• Smart Controller - Mobile app-based precision irrigation
• Control Capability - Manage up to 8 pumps, valves, and filters for complete automation
• Mobile App: Develop an Android/iOS mobile app for smart irrigation scheduling, weath-
er monitoring, and AI assistance Naveen Singh
Founded by Kaushal Jaiswal and Mr. Richard Klapholz, Rivulus has

developed remote Sensing based “Manna” Irrigation Intelligence
software.
Proposed Solution
• A sensor free, irrigation- focused precision and smart agriculture
software solution that provides real time irrigation recommendations
and crop monitoring through Geo-mapping & hydraulic design - Sat-
ellite imaging
• Data analysing and scheduling crop irrigation process - Manna
platform
Kaushal Jaiswal and Mr. Richard Klapholz

Established by Jasveer Singh, Faizan Shaikh and

Gajanan Shidardi, Sicca works on digitizing irriga-
tion management at the farms by optimizing water
usage through sensor-based IoT system
Proposed Solution
• An IoT sensor system, optimizes water usage
that can remotely control irrigation based on soil
moisture levels
• Low-maintenance, retrofitted automation, pow-
ered by 4G and LoRa wireless tech, for remote ir-
rigation
• Scalable system to address needs of both SHF
Jasveer Singh, Faizan Shaikh and Gajanan Shidardi as well as large farm holders
Established in 2018 by Satyam Khagen Bose, Virenxiaworks on Digitally-enabled

Climate Smart Sustainable Agriculture (eCSSA)
Proposed Solution
• eCSSA - Integrated Framework for Digital Climate Smart Sustainable Agriculture
o Farmics - offers farmers specialized BioAg inputs to enhance yields during their
transition away from conventional chemical farming
o AgTMS - Potable IoT, app enabled soil and water testing services
o AgriStim -fully automated Agri-advisory support system, powered with AI/ML
Satyam Khagen Bose

State Focus
Droplets of Prosperity
Water Management for Bihar’s Sustainable Harvests
B
ihar is situated in the Indo- resilience and sustainability.
Gangetic plain, it is split into
two roughly equal halves by Irrigation initiatives
the river Ganga, North Bihar To reduce the over consumption of water
and South Bihar. The State while ensuring the sustainable use in Ag-
has also witnessed changes in the rainfall riculture and maximizing agricultural pro-
pattern which may be credited to Climate ductivity in the country, the Government is
change. The rainfall trend for the last five trying to introduce innovative initiatives in
years has been depicted in the graph be- the form of policies and programmes.
low: The State government has made
Considering the above scenario, and praiseworthy efforts towards the irrigation
the fact that Bihar’s economy is agricul- in the last five years with public expenditure
ture based with more than 70% population on the same being INR 2570.49 crore in FY
of the State engaged in this sector, it be- 2021-22 with a CAGR of 16.8%.The efforts as well. In case of the source of irrigation,
comes critical for the government to revalu- include restoration of canals, linking rivers tubewells and wells are the major source
ate the water availability for agriculture and for intra basin-transfer, command area of irrigation with 63.4% share.
formulate initiatives keeping in mind the risk development and flood control schemes Due to changing rainfall pattern and
difference in the rainfall received in North
Rainfall status of Bihar (2018-2022) and South Bihar, State government is pro-
gressively working towards increasing the
water availability, especially in the drought
prone areas.The highest irrigation potential
Since 2019-20, there has been

more than 16 times increase
in the area covered by Micro-
irrigation in the State.
Source:Rainfall Statistics, India Meteorological Department
About the Author
Mr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal is Secretary, Department of Agriculture and

Department of Transport in the Government of Bihar and is also serving
as the Enquiry Commissioner in General Administration Department,
Bihar. Shri Agrawal’s stellar contributions in public administration have
led him to numerous accolades including appreciation by the President
of India. As the Secretary of Department of Agriculture, Government
of Bihar he is overseeing the critical task of formulation, launch and
implementation of the State’s 4th Krishi Road Map 2023-28.

State Focus
of INR 100 cr. provided for year 2022-23

Percentage share of irrigation sources in the State
for these schemes in the districts of South
Bihar.The Department of Agriculture has
constructed almost 1000 pucca check
dams in the 17 districts of the State, which
prevents erosion downstream and pro-
motes the recharge of groundwater and
also the access water is conserved which
is used for irrigation.
Apart from these, the State government
is also undertaking construction of ponds
for water conservation, sediment check
dams, farm ponds and maintenance of
ahar. Also, as part of the other components
of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana,
multiple rainwater harvesting projects are
being implemented across the State.
Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, GoB and analysis Micro Irrigation– Drops Of
Prosperity
created was of 2600 hectares under the The State Government is providing 80 per-
residual work of Western Kosi Canal Pro- The State is focusing on maize cent subsidy to small and marginal farm-
ers on drip and micro sprinkler systems to
ject in 2021-22. Further, the overall water mission and millet mission promote efficient judicious use of irrigation
utilization efficiency of major and medium
irrigation schemes was highest in kharif which are supporting and water. In order to promote increasing acre-
age under micro-irrigation in the State, the
season with 97.5% followed by rabi with
96.2% and garma / hot weather season
encouraging the cultivators Department is implementing very effec-
being 85.2% in the year 2021-22.Further, of the State to shift from tive supporting schemes for community
the farmers in Bihar are being encour- borewell and individual borewell under the
aged by the State Government to adopt
water guzzling crops to water under the Saat Nischay-II. An exclusive
participatory irrigation systems in order to efficient crops. digital application has been deployed for
generation of online application for the ad-
enhance water use efficiency and equitable
distribution. Tak Sinchai Ka Paani’ has been added to ministration of subsidy to farmers. This has
provide irrigation to all unirrigated farms given transparency and accountability in its
and several initiatives have been formu- administration and the scheme has found
‘Har Khet Tak Sinchai Ka Paani’
lated and are being implemented by Water a new impetus.
– Enhancing Availability and
Resources Department, Agriculture De- Since 2019-20, there has been more
Conservation than 16 times increase in the area covered
As part of the Saat Nishchay 2, ‘Har Khet partment, Minor Water Resources Depart-
ment, Energy and Panchayati Raj.A total by Micro-irrigation in the State.
Check-dam Pond

State Focus
Area under MI for the last five years (2019-20 to 2023-24) in acres
Climate Resilient Agriculture–

Sustaining Food Production
As part of CRA, community irrigation mod-
el is being promoted to improve the water
use efficiency and reduce the irrigation
cost. This model covers 25 acres of land
and 20 – 25 farmers and community based
big water pumping facility will be created
Source: Directorate of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar which will reduce the cost of pumping
and that irrigation water will be supplied
to the farmers through pipe to reduce the
conveyance loss. Further, integration with
sprinkler and drip in their individual farm
to improve the water use efficiency is also
part of the model.
Crop Diversification– Options for

Efficiency
The State is focusing on maize mission
and millet mission which are supporting
and encouraging the cultivators of the
State to shift from water guzzling crops
to water efficient crops. The State is also
establishing Centre of Excellence for Mil-
let Value Chain and Model Demonstration
Crop diversification from rice leading to water saving (in %age) Centre for Soil and Water Conservation in
Gaya, Bihar.
Development of agriculture sector is
critical for Bihar along with the clear vision
for sustaining the production systems. Bi-
har’s 4thAgriculture Roadmap (2023-24
to 2027-28), a holistic and comprehensive
planning document of 5 years for the en-
tire agriculture and allied sector, has also
outlined the initiatives to be taken by agri-
culture and other line departments towards
efficient irrigation and water management in
the State. With Bihar’s focus on sustaining
water for agriculture, utmost importance is
being given on capacity building among
farmers to enhance their understanding of
water-efficient farming practices, the impor-
tance of water conservation and building
Source: https://www.orfonline.org/research/estimating-the-productivity-of-india-s-agricultural-
community approach.
waters-towards-water-and-nutritional-security-through-crop-choices

In Conversation
‘DSR Adoption at Scale

Is Pivotal’ “India alone grows rice on
around 45 million hectares
with transplanting being the
predominant cultivation practice.
Increasing water scarcity due to
climate change and challenges
related to labour availability, energy
usage, etc. are making this method
of rice production unsustainable
in the long term,” says Mr. Simon
Wiebusch, President of Bayer South
Asia and Vice Chairman, MD & CEO
of Bayer CropScience Ltd (BCSL). In
an interview with Agriculture Today,
Simon talks about DSR and how
its adoption can make a positive
impact on water conservation.
Excerpts from the interview.

In Conversation
What are the benefits of DSR?

Let us face it, as the third most-grown crop
Measures like DSR are cessful in the first attempt through a hassle-
free and seamless step-by-step agronomy
and a staple food for more than half the also acutely important advisory along with an effective seed and
world’s population, the importance of rice weed management package, mechaniza-
cannot be overstated.It is a critical food for countries like ours, tion service linkage and 24X7 information
security crop. However, its cultivation is
extremely water-intensive and requires
where labour shortages accessed digitally through our FarmRise
and call center support.
heavy freshwater withdrawals. 40% of the and water scarcity are Our teams on the ground are working
world’s irrigation water is applied for rice to increase awareness around the practice
production. Direct seeding is a crop sys- impacting agriculture and and our solution package, engaging with
tem wherein rice seeds are sown directly
into the field, as opposed to the puddled
overall food security. 200+ distinct DSR clusters spread across
48 districts. The program positions them
transplanted method of growing seed- as hubs for catalyzing change in cluster
lings in a nursery, and then transplanting villages, spanning advocacy, awareness,
into flooded fields. This shift can benefit How do you plan to implement mechanization, and innovative solutions.
farmers by reducing water usage by up to DSR in such a large scale? Supplementing the DirectAcres ef-
40%, cutting greenhouse gas emissions In India, we initiated the Bayer DirectAcres forts, we have the “Bayer Rice Carbon
by up to 45%, decreasing the reliance on Programme in 2022 and it is our pioneer- Program” in place which is being tried out
manual labor by up to 50% and poten- ing effort to develop a comprehensive across states such as UP, Bihar, Odisha,
tial early harvesting of the crop.By 2030, and sustainable rice cropping solution to West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra, Karna-
Bayer plans to implement the DSR system support Rice DSR smallholder farmers at taka, Chhattisgarh, Jammu, Haryana, Ta-
on one million hectares across Asia, sup- critical crop stages to maximize grower mil Nadu, wherein we are trying to mitigate
porting over two million smallholder rice benefit. The key objective of DirectAcres climate change impact and reduce GHG
farmers. is to make DSR smallholder farmers suc- emissions by promoting and scaling up the

In Conversation
adoption of techniques like direct-seeded

rice (DSR) and Alternate Wetting and Dry-
By 2030, Bayer plans to transformative change within agriculture.
ing method (AWD). We are hopeful that

through these regenerative sustainable rice
implement the DSR system How can DSR be promoted on a
large scale in India? What kind
farming practices smallholder farmers will on one million hectares of policy level changes would you
derive some benefits for themselves and like to see?
the environment and reduction in resource across Asia, supporting I do believe that DSR adoption at scale is
consumption. Through this program, we
also intend to build a voluntary market for over two million pivotal if we are looking at a sustainable
solution to food security and the growing
carbon credits.
smallholder rice farmers. impact of climate change on agriculture.
Measures like DSR are also acutely im-
What are the support systems portant for countries like ours, where labor
you intend to extend to the early shortages and water scarcity are impact-
adopters? ing agriculture and overall food security.
At the forefront of our support system for laborations in this space with ICAR and
We are seeing nascent levels of adoption
early adopters within the DirectAcres pro- IRRI. Bayer joined hands with ICAR and
right now;however,the transition has been
gram is a personalized approach aimed IRRI to create integrated direct-seeded rice
impacted by several challenges.Weed and
at addressing the specific needs and systems that are specifically tailored to the
pest management, for example, remain
challenges faced by smallholder farmers. unique conditions of India through these
crucial. Not only farmers but the entire
Through meticulous tailoring, we blend partnerships. We aim to transform rice culti-
value chain needs education. A condu-
agri inputs with expert advisory services to vation in India, making it more efficient, sus-
cive and supportive policy and regulatory
equip early adopters with the critical tools tainable, and profitable for farmers. Bayer
framework will definitely help in the scale-
and insights necessary to successfully em- plans to support over 2 million smallholder
up of DSR in the country.
brace Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) practices. rice farmers and bring one million hectares
Government(s) can formulate support-
Bayer’s dedicated team of field ex- under its DirectAcres program by 2030.
ive policies and regulations to address chal-
perts are also committed to offering sup- lenges related to credit access, mechaniza-
port directly to early adopters in their fields. Do you think farmers will reject tion, insurance, incentivization in procure-
Moreover, to empower early adopters with the conventional means of rice ment and market linkages for DSR farmers.
the benefits of mechanized processes, the cultivation and adopt DSR? Additionally, enhancing smallholder farm-
program has established strategic collabo- The transition to DSR is not easy and it will ers' access to credit and insurance services
rations with multiple service providers.The require cross-industry support to create an to mitigate risks associated with DSR adop-
partnerships ensure that the latest mecha- ecosystem that will help farmers become tion will help in the long run. Recognition for
nization technologies are readily accessible successful without compromising their farmers/ villages adopting DSR may help in
to farmers within the cluster villages. ROI. The ecosystem is developing,and the promoting the wider adoption of DSR.
In parallel, Under the Rice Carbon right seeds, agronomy, weed and nutrient Strengthening extension services to
Program, Bayer had announced in 2023, management supplemented by access to develop capacity and technical support to
a collaboration with GenZero, Shell Energy mechanization and digital solutions will farmers on best practices for DSR cultiva-
India Private Limited and others to create a help assure the farmers and help in the tion and service providers on supporting
carbon farming model to target GHG emis- transition process. various on- and off-farm operations are
sion reductions in rice farming and gener- Farmers in India are accustomed to need of the hour as well. SAUs, KVKs, and
ating carbon credits in the process. This generational farming practices and while seed companies, with their extensive reach
initiative seeks to generate carbon credits they may be hesitant towards the adoption in the rice belts, can also play a foundational
through regenerative agricultural practices of modern methodologies, confidence can role in this. Training and educational mod-
that can combat climate change through be built through community engagement, ules should be introduced to equip farmers
reduced emissions, water conservation, real-time advisory, a lot of handholding and with the knowledge and support needed to
and soil health improvements while sup- communication around the long-term ben- make a successful transition to DSR, which
porting smallholder farmers.Through these efits of DSR adoption. With an initial reg- is not just sustainable, but also efficient and
initiatives, we aim to facilitate a smooth and istration of 800 farmers to the DirectAcres eco-friendly.
successful transition to innovative agricul- program, the program's reach continues to All in all, while we remain confident
tural practices, ensuring that early adopters expand, culminating in the registration and about the benefits it spurs, policy interven-
are well-equipped to lead the way towards impact on a total of 2,000 farmers in 2023. tions and strong partnerships are very cru-
sustainable and efficient farming methods. This growth showcases the program's dedi- cial to increase awareness and fuel sustain-
You may already be aware of our col- cation to amplifying its influence and driving ability in farming.

VIEWPOINT
Wasting Each Drop,

Forgoing More Crop
F
armers and agriculture are
issues that evoke spirited
It is seen that the Centre states are responsible for contributing 40%
of funding under PDMC and the execu-
conversations in India, sec- makes budgetary provisions, tion lies with the States. It is seen that the
ond only to politics or cricket, Centre makes budgetary provisions, but
maybe. While there is a gen-
but there has been challenges there has been challenges in getting state
eral concurrence that agriculture in India is in getting state contribution contribution on timeto the implementing
in the doldrums, reasons attributed to it are agency and as result the funds allocated
multitudinous, ranging from a lack of politi- on time to the implementing under- “Per drop More Crop” (PDMC) have
cal will to technology-constraints and from
an absence of know-how to erratic weather
agency and as result the remained underutilised since its inception.
And although the allocation to the scheme
conditions. Some of these are navigable by funds allocated under- “Per has been increasing over the years, it is
relevant policies but a lot gets lost between
policy and implementation. Micro-irrigation
drop More Crop” (PDMC) have consistently revised down at later stages.
The abysmal performance figures point
is one such intervention with an enormous remained underutilised since to a lack of willingness amongst the state
unmet potential. functionaries to take up Micro-irrigation
Even within policy circles, the impor- its inception. projects. The underlying cause could be
tance of drip technology was recognized political, or a lack of receptiveness and a
way back in 2003 with a taskforce, and clear understanding of benefits that the
disbursement and non-uniform applica-
subsidies were extended through bod- project entails. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi
tion rigged the system. Again, with the ris-
ies like National Mission on Micro Irriga- Sinchai Yojana was launched in 2015 to
ing farmer’s distress in 2015-16 and the
tion (NMMI). Although a few states like increase the coverage of the area under ir-
need for doubling farmer’s income while
Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra & rigation. The Ministry implemented the ‘Per
ensuring environment-friendly, sustainable
Karnataka fared well; limitations in fund Drop More Crop’ component until 2021- 22
agricultural practices was realized by way
under the scheme to increase water effi-
of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
ciency through micro-irrigation and other
(PMKSY). ‘Per drop, more crop’ with its fo-
interventions. Since year 2022-23, PDMC
cus on micro-irrigation to optimize water
component of the PMSKY scheme has
usage. Area coverage under Micro-Irriga-
been brought under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
tion steadily increased till year 2019-20,
Yojana, an umbrella scheme for farmer wel-
but then COVID happened, and since last
fare and this has created more complexity
4 years, the coverage has plateaued at
in efficient execution at state level.
around 1 Million Ha per annum.
The situation presents an opportunity
for improving Micro-irrigation projects by
Distant Centre, Reluctant States encouraging greater participation from
As a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the
state authorities, with state support being
crucial. Enhanced engagement can be
achieved through increased awareness
About the Author and appreciation of project benefits.
Kaushal Jaiswal, MD, Rivulis;
President, Irrigation MIS Companies & Farmers Face
Association of India the Heat
MSMEs in India play a pivotal role in foster-

VIEWPOINT
only states where the scheme remains

functional for more than 10 months in a
year. This in-built inconsistency makes the
policy a mere façade because it remains
dormant at a time when the farmers are
to avail its benefits. Needless to say, the
sowing season is fixed and cannot wait
for funds allotment, or tendering process
of the government. The farmers thus chose
to proceed with the conventional forms of
irrigation available or are discouraged in
the face of complexities in availing the
subsidies.
Despite the innumerable benefits of
micro-irrigation and its potential to solve the
twin problems of scarce water and hunger,
it remains a tale of muffed opportunities.
ing inclusive growth and development, with In the states where subsidy is Concluding with the big picture
approximately 95% of Micro Irrigation Sys- But why should we-you and me, sitting
tems (MIS) Companies falling within this transferred directly to farmers' far away from the farms that supply our
category. However, they have encountered food, be concerned with the problems in
challenges due to delays in payment and
account, they have to wait for executing micro-irrigation at all? The an-
fund disbursement. Some states have no- almost year or even more to get swer suggests a rather sombre picture.
tably lagged in settling dues owed to MI Agriculture accounts for approximately
companies, adversely affecting their op- the subsidy and that is biggest 85% of the freshwater usage in India.India
erational continuity. Consequently, these impairment and discouraging uses or consumes more than 600 billion
companies have faced difficulties in sus- cubic meters (158 trillion gallons) of water
taining their operations, leading to layoffs factor for the farmers to come annually. Of that amount, 245 billion cubic
and struggles in securing day-to-day funds.
This situation has also deterred other MIS
forward and adopt Micro-Irrigation. meters are drawn from aquifers.Well irriga-
tion accounts for more than 60% of the net
Companies from entering the market. irrigated area in the country, compared to
The financial strain has further hindered Micro-Irrigation. 29.2% for canal irrigation and 4.6% for tank
timely equipment supply and installation, A strategy paper for micro irrigation irrigation.
ultimately impacting farmers, who are left by Grant Thornton analyses PMKVY and Of all the economic sectors, agricul-
waiting for essential services. Addition- concludes that the scheme remains effec- ture is the one where water scarcity has
ally, delays in subsidy disbursement, even tive for an average of 5 months in a year the utmost relevance.Because there is no
in states where it is directly transferred to making it unavailable or inoperative during food without water.And a world with no food
farmer accounts, serve as a significant the sowing season. Based on state-specific or water will be nasty, short and brutish.
deterrent for farmers considering adopting guidelines, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are the Any intervention that seeks to save water
and produce food, is therefore, a matter
PDMC Budget Allocation in Rs Crore of concern for all of us alike. And as we
FY Allocation Utilization Shortfall read this, the farmers are braving the chal-
lenging climatic conditions and water crisis
2015-16 1800 1556 14%
looming large on their heads in the coming
2016-17 2340 1991 15% kharif season, that they think will put their
2017-18 3400 2819 17% livelihoods at stake. But if one is to look
2018-19 4000 2918 27% beyond the current stalemate, it essentially
boils down to sustainable use of water and
2019-20 3500 2700 23%
agricultural inputs ensuring sustained ag-
2020-21 4000 2562 36% ricultural income for farmers. Can micro-
2021-22 4000 1796 55% irrigation offer a solution? The answer is
2022-23 4043 1807 55% best left to common-sense.

Community Goals
Women-led Community Participation

A Successful Model for Water
Saving in Agriculture
M
ore than 85 percent of
groundwater extracted in
In the last seven years, the activities but also gave a sense of owner-
ship to the community, thereby increasing
India is used for agricul- project has been able to adoption. The project team was trained to
ture, and the remainder have two-way communication channels
goes for industrial and
save water and create water open during meetings, training, and all in-
domestic usage. According to the Central potential to the tune of 286 teractions with the community. They were
Groundwater Board report, in 2023, 736 encouraged to solicit feedback and ideas
blocks/mandals/talukas (units) are over- billion litres; increase in the to align the project activities with the aspi-
exploited in terms of groundwater extrac-
tion. 199 units are critical (water extraction
yield of major crops of more rations and pain points of the community.
is between 90 and 100 percent), 698 units than 220,000 tons; and an Women Participation
are semi-critical (extraction is between 70
and 90 percent). Overall, out of the 6,553
aggregate increase in income An important factor that led to the success
is the role of women. The project team en-
units that were assessed, 25 percent are of ₹Rs 1.06 billion. couraged women farmers to participate in
already in the unsafe or danger zone. Sen- weekly meetings organized by the team,
sitization and knowledge enhancement at by forming small groups of 15-20 women.
mass scale along with incentivization can on the execution, and the guidance and Women play a crucial role in agriculture
help in behaviour change. support of the funding organizations. The right from preparing the field, to sowing,
project was designed to ensure community irrigating, weeding, spraying of fertilizer
PANI’s -Water-Saving and participation at every step. This not only and pesticides, and finally in harvesting,
Enhancement of Farmers’ Income brought in the user perspective and real cleaning, packing/storing etc. Therefore,
Peoples Action for National Integration needs that were addressed through various imparting technical knowledge and pack-
(PANI) is implementing a project on wa-
ter-saving and enhancement of farmers’
income, with support from Hindustan Uni-
lever Foundation and Tata Trusts in Bal- About the Authors
rampur district of Uttar Pradesh- one of the
NITI Aayog aspirational districts. The pro-
ject is being implemented with more than
70,000 small and marginal farmers. In the
last seven years the project has been able
to save water and create water potential
to the tune of 286 billion litres; increase
in the yield of major crops of more than
220,000 tons; and an aggregate increase
in income of Rs 1.06 billion. Additionally,
the increased economic activities gener-
ated 71.6 lakh person days of employment
for local population. Increase of between
three and ten percent in village GDP in a Deo Datt Singh, Director, Operations and
majority of the project villages is estimated.
Mukesh Sadana, Lead Growth and Development, PANI
Success of the project intervention is
based on the project design as much as

Community Goals
age of practices (PoP) to women farmers with Farmer Resource Centres (FRC)- an-
is equally effective way of improving agri- The role of women in other institution supported by the project.
culture practices, if not more effective than
imparting this knowledge to men.
this model was critical FRC is an outlet managed by an entrepre-
neur- often an agriculture graduate, with
The role of women in this model was from the supply side a passion to work with farmers providing
critical from the supply side as well, in them high quality seeds and inputs, farm
the form of Community Resource Person as well, in the form of equipment and tools on rent, and advice on
(CRP)- who were women in the age group Community Resource best practices, market linkages, etc. CRPs
of 18-25 with basic knowledge of agri- act as an extended arm of FRC by provid-
culture, decent education, and who are Person (CRP) ing the last-mile connectivity for distribution
convivial and entrepreneurial. The CRPs of inputs to the farmers.
undergo an intensive training on agricul- The package of practices promoted in
ture- crop cycles, common diseases, irriga- this project includes SRI for paddy, inten-
tion, soil testing, efficient use of fertilizers, Mahila Kisan Sangathan sification for arhar, seed drill/zero tillage/
pesticides etc. The thrust of training ses- Another factor that contributed to the pro- SWI for wheat, on-bed for onion, mulching
sions is to train them on methods to save ject’s success and will be instrumental in and SSI for sugarcane, and machan (trellis
water, use of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesti- sustaining the project beyond the project farming) for vegetables.
cides, use of healthy seeds and inputs, and duration, is the Mahila Kisan Sangathan PANI’s efforts are a drop in the ocean.
similar other practices that help increase (MKS). As the name suggests, MKS is an More needs to be done to address the chal-
productivity, reduce costs, improve soil informal association of women farmers lenges of depleting ground water levels,
health, and conserve natural resources. who meet periodically to discuss the best increasing water efficiency, improving ag-
Often, CRPs set up demonstration plots on practices emerging out of the PoP sug- riculture practices, and increasing farmer
a piece of their own land to show empirical gested by the project team, and to provide incomes along with conservation of natural
evidence to address the reluctance among guidance to the CRP so that her efforts can resources. Balrampur model has given very
farmers. After one or two crop cycles farm- prove more effective. MKS also aggregates encouraging results at a significant scale.
ers not only listen to their advice but proac- the demand for seeds and inputs and gives This model can be customized, replicated,
tively reach out to them for guidance. the list to CRPs, who in turn share the same and scaled for large scale impact.

Alternative Routes
Water Conservation in Rice

Alternate Wetting and Drying can
reduce water usage in rice cultivation
R
ice is the highest water To meet the food demand of and water security in the region.
guzzling crop, where ap-
proximately 3400 liters of a rapidly growing population Alternate Wetting and Drying
water are used to grow one
in the face of increasing (AWD) – Water Saving Technique
kilogram of rice (Hoekstra, in Rice
2008). In Assam, rice cultivation covers water scarcity, more efficient Among water-saving techniques, Alter-
2.35 million hectares of the total cropped
area of 3.89 million hectares, accounting
water management practices nate Wetting and Drying (AWD) is the at-
tractive option and is being practiced in
for 93 percent of the whole food grain pro- - water-saving technologies - different parts of the world. AWD of rice,
duction in Assam. Rice is grown in three a method in which fields are periodically
seasons namely Ahu, kharif or Sali and are required drained and re-flooded during the growing
Boro. Boro rice, occupying 3.70 lakh hec- season, has been advocated as a practice
tares exhibits a higher productivity in com- to minimize the amount of irrigation wa-
parison to winter and autumn rice. ter used and lower GHG emissions from
rice cultivation, all the while maintaining
Water Inefficient Traditional or enhancing crop yields (Richards and
Cultivation Practices Sander, 2014). It has primarily been pro-
In Assam, summer (Boro/early Ahu) rice moted in Asia, with the highest level of ac-
is predominantly grown under continuous ceptance in Bangladesh, the Philippines,
flooding in an irrigated ecosystem, and and Vietnam (Lampayan et al., 2015).
rice farmers have a habit of keeping con- While the AWD approach has many
tinuous standing water in their rice fields. potential advantages, farmers have practi-
Boro rice cultivation relies heavily on ir- cal difficulties in its implementation. With-
rigation, which is water-intensive, costly out the development of simple irrigation
and amenable to greenhouse gas (GHG) indices, it becomes challenging for them
emissions, contributing to global warming. to determine the optimal timing for irriga-
However, this traditional water manage- tion application. IRRI developed a set of
ment method results into a high amount simple guidelines for implementing AWD,
of surface runoff, seepage, and percola- which involves utilizing a PVC tube to
tion, which can account for 50-80% of total measure the water level in the field (Mina-
water input. mikawa et al., 2015).
To meet the food demand of a rapidly
growing population in the face of increas- AWD Using IRRI’s Pani Pipe
ing water scarcity, more efficient water Under AWD, fields are irrigated using the
management practices - water-saving About the Authors 'Safe AWD' principles, with flooding water
technologies - are required so that rice depths inside field water pipe (pani pipe)
Dr. Suryakanta Khandai-
productivity is stabilized can be main- checked daily. Fields are re-irrigated
tained or increased while using less irriga-
Senior Associate Scientist, and when the water level in these pani pipe
tion water. Producing more rice with less
Mr. Vipin Kumar, Associate drops to 15 cm below the soil surface, be-
water presents a formidable challenge for Scientist, IRRI cause rice is a shallow-rooted crop, with
achieving agricultural, economic, social,

Alternative Routes
maximum roots concentrated in the top 15 water potential is ≥ −20 kPa or field water
cm. In AWD practice, the field is irrigated level does not drop below 15 cm from the
when the water level drops 15 cm below soil surface). During the moisture-sensi-
the soil, so that root growth is not ham- tive period, especially during flowering,
pered, and soil drying may improve root enough supply of water is maintained in
growth, grain filling rate, and the remobi- the safe AWD practice. Alternate drying
lization of carbon stocks from vegetative has the potential to improve oxygen de-
tissues to grains. AWD is discontinued livery to roots. In contrast to Continuous
during herbicide application to increase Flooding (CF), it has the potential to boost
herbicide efficacy. From one week before field water's electrical conductivity (EC).
to one week after flowering, a water level Increased soil EC could be attributed to
of 2-5 cm is maintained in the field. increased mineralization and dissolved
ion concentrations (Adviento-Borbe et al.,
AWD’s Alternate Advantages 2006).
It has been noticed that no yield losses oc-
cur when practicing safe AWD (when soil AWD Challenges
No significant yield variation is observed
between the practice of AWD and CF in
Assam. AWD results in a reduction of 2-3
irrigations compared to CF, leading to an
average water saving of around 25% for ir-
rigation. This practice allows rice growers to
reduce methane emissions, lower pumping
costs, and improve water use efficiency.
However, the worldwide adoption of the
AWD is hindered by various factors, includ-
ing climatic conditions, level of mechaniza-
tion, quantity, and availability of irrigation
water and rainfall, soil type, and the ability
to maintain or increase crop yield (Van
Den Berg et al., 2007; Wassmann et al.,
2009). AWD has not been successful on
light-textured soils due to increased water
inputs and fluctuating nitrogen supplies.
Heavy textured soil (clayey) requires less
frequent heavy irrigation since field water
depth decreases slowly, but light textured
soil requires frequent and light irrigations,
resulting in a greater number of AWD cy-
cles observed than heavy textured soil.
Furthermore, severe-AWD yields less in
light-textured soil than it does in heavy-
textured soil.

CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Enhancing Farm Resilience

Water Management Practices Eligible for Carbon Credits
C
limate change is often involve the installation of efficient ir-
exacerbating the frequency Rainwater harvesting and rigation systems, soil moisture monitor-
and intensity of extreme
weather events, posing
storage systems can play a ing, and precise water application based
on crop needs, resulting in reduced water
significant challenges to crucial role in mitigating the consumption and improved crop yields.
the agricultural sector. Droughts, floods,
and other weather-related disasters can impacts of both droughts and Rainwater Harvesting and Storage
devastate crops, disrupt food production, floods Rainwater harvesting and storage systems
and threaten the livelihoods of farmers can play a crucial role in mitigating the im-
worldwide. In this context, implementing plants, and heat waves exacerbate pacts of both droughts and floods. During
effective water management practices has water stress, particularly in arid regions. periods of abundant rainfall, these systems
become a crucial strategy for enhancing Addressing these extreme weather events capture and store water for later use, re-
farm resilience and mitigating the impacts necessitates urgent implementation ducing reliance on groundwater or surface
of these climatic extremes. Remarkably, of adaptive strategies to safeguard water sources. Rainwater harvesting tech-
many of these water management agricultural productivity and ensure food niques, such as constructing farm ponds,
practices are eligible for carbon credits, security. tanks, or cisterns, can provide a reliable
providing an additional incentive for water source during dry spells, enhancing
farmers to adopt sustainable practices Water Management Practices: A drought resilience and reducing the need
while contributing to global climate change Pathway to Resilience for supplemental irrigation.
mitigation efforts. Implementing effective water management
practices is crucial for enhancing farm re- Soil and Water Conservation
The Challenges of Extreme silience and mitigating the impacts of ex- Practices
Weather on Agriculture treme weather events. These practices Implementing soil and water conservation
Extreme weather presents formidable not only improve water use efficiency and practices can help improve water retention,
challenges to agriculture, jeopardising conservation but also contribute to carbon
crop yields and food security. Prolonged sequestration and greenhouse gas emis-
droughts stress plants due to insufficient sion reductions, making them eligible for
rainfall, leading to stunted growth and crop carbon credits.
failures. Groundwater depletion worsens
irrigation water scarcity, compromising ag- Irrigation Efficiency and Water
ricultural sustainability. Conservation
Conversely, floods, triggered by heavy Improving irrigation efficiency is a key water
rainfall or rising sea levels, inundate management strategy that can significantly
farmlands, causing crop losses, erosion, enhance farm resilience to droughts and
and infrastructure damage. This disrupts water scarcity. Practices such as drip ir-
irrigation systems and transportation rigation, sprinkler systems, and pre-
routes, impeding the agricultural supply cision irrigation techniques can
chain. optimise water usage, reduce
Moreover, hailstorms inflict physical water losses, and minimise
damage on crops, frost harms sensitive soil erosion. These practices
About the Author

Mr. Shailendra Singh Rao, Founder, Creduce

CLIMATE RESILIENCE
reduce erosion, and enhance soil fertility,

ultimately contributing to farm resilience.
Practices like contour farming, terracing,
and the use of vegetative barriers can slow
down water runoff, allowing more water to
infiltrate the soil and reducing the risk of
soil erosion during heavy rainfall events.
Additionally, practices such as mulching,
cover cropping, and incorporating organic
matter into the soil can improve soil struc-
ture and water-holding capacity, reducing
water stress during dry periods.
Agroforestry and Integrated

Farming Systems
Agroforestry and integrated farming sys-
tems can play a significant role in enhanc-
ing farm resilience by diversifying produc-
tion systems and promoting sustainable re-
source management. Agroforestry involves
integrating trees or shrubs into agricultural
landscapes, providing numerous benefits
such as improved soil fertility, water reten- carbon dioxide and increasing soil organic monitoring systems is essential for
tion, and microclimate regulation. Integrat- matter, acting as a carbon sink. This transaction credibility. Standardising
ed farming systems combine various ag- potential earns carbon credits for farmers. methodologies for quantifying emission
ricultural practices, such as crop rotation, Meanwhile, improved irrigation efficiency reductions and enhancing monitoring,
intercropping, and livestock integration, minimises water losses and energy use, reporting, and verification systems will
to create a more resilient and sustainable thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. bolster confidence in carbon credit
farming system. Additionally, optimised water management integrity.
enhances fertiliser efficiency, further Policy support is pivotal. Governments
Carbon Credits: Incentivising curbing emissions associated with synthetic can incentivise adoption through tax
Sustainable Water Management fertiliser production and application. benefits, subsidies, and integration of
Practices Effective manure management, including carbon credit incentives into agricultural
Many of the water management practices anaerobic digestion and composting, support programs. These measures foster
mentioned above are eligible for carbon in integrated farming systems mitigate an enabling environment for widespread
credits, providing an additional incentive methane emissions and generates carbon adoption, ensuring sustainable practices
for farmers to adopt sustainable practices credits, contributing to sustainable waste benefit both farmers and the environment.
while contributing to global climate change management practices.
mitigation efforts. To conclude
Farmers who implement eligible water Overcoming Challenges and Enhancing farm resilience to droughts,
management practices can earn carbon Promoting Adoption floods, and other extreme weather events
credits by quantifying the reduction in Addressing challenges and promoting is a critical challenge. Implementing water
greenhouse gas emissions or the amount adoption of water management practices management practices can significantly
of carbon sequestered through their eligible for carbon credits require stra- improve the capacity of agricultural sys-
practices. These credits can then be traded tegic interventions. Access to financing tems to withstand and recover from these
on carbon markets, generating additional and technical assistance is crucial, espe- climatic extremes. Collaboration among
revenue for farmers and offsetting the costs cially for smallholder farmers and those farmers, policymakers, researchers, and
associated with implementing sustainable in resource-constrained areas. Providing other stakeholders is crucial to fostering an
practices. low-interest loans, grants, and technical enabling environment for the widespread
Certain water management practices, support can alleviate initial investment bar- adoption of water management practices
like conservation tillage, cover cropping, riers and equip farmers with the necessary eligible for carbon credits, ultimately safe-
and agroforestry, enhance soil carbon skills. guarding food security and rural livelihoods
sequestration by capturing atmospheric Strengthening carbon markets and in the face of a changing climate.

Innovation Stories
Irrigation As a Service
AgriRain's Journey
I
n India, agriculture isn't merely a liveli- hosereel—a mobile, self-propelled raingun
hood but a way of life. Significance of
Through the innovative integrated with satellite imagery and soil
water cannot be undermined as it is vital Irrigation as a Service (IaaS) moisture sensors—AgriRain simplifies the
for crops, communities, and our future. irrigation process. Farmers no longer need
With each passing year, the threat of
model, AgriRain revolutionizes extensive technical expertise to optimize
water scarcity looms larger, emphasiz- the traditional paradigm of water usage and enhance crop yields. In-
ing the urgent need for innovative irriga- stead, they can rely on AgriRain to handle
tion solutions. AgriRain, founded in 2017
irrigation, offering small and the complexities of irrigation scheduling
provides access to modern, efficient, and farmers hassle-free, pay-per- and data analysis.
hassle-free irrigation solutions. Recogniz- This shift towards a more accessible
ing the plight of small farmers grappling
use, and scalable irrigation and user-friendly irrigation model signi-
with erratic rainfall and diminishing water solutions tailored to their needs. fies a significant step forward in promot-
resources, AgriRain pioneered the "Irriga- ing sustainability and efficiency in Indian
tion as a Service (IaaS)" model. This ap- sets. agriculture. It not only addresses the chal-
proach uses hosereel irrigation systems For these small and marginal farmers lenges faced by small farmers in adopting
which have been retrofit to suit Indian who may face labour shortages or strug- modern irrigation technologies but also
terrain,to deliver data-driven precision irri- gle with rising labour expenses, AgriRain's contributes to water conservation efforts
gation, thereby transforming the way farm- operator-led model proves to be a boon. and improves overall agricultural productiv-
ers cultivate their lands. The per-acre cost includes providing ir- ity. AgriRain promotes economic prosper-
rigation, operator services, collection of ity and environmental sustainability in rural
data—including tracking the farm on GPS,
A Paradigm Shift in Irrigation areas while enabling farmers to survive in
monitoring rainfall, and running algorithms an increasingly unpredictable climate with
At the heart of AgriRain's transformative
to create irrigation schedules. This com- its comprehensive approach to irrigation
impact lies its pioneering approach to ir-
prehensive package pricing approach sim- management.
rigation. Through the innovative Irrigation
plifies irrigation budgeting for farmers and
as a Service (IaaS) model, AgriRain revo-
ensures transparency in cost calculations.
lutionizes the traditional paradigm of irri- Irrigation as a Service Business
gation, offering small farmers hassle-free, Model
pay-per-use, and scalable irrigation solu- How it Works? AgriRain's business model transforms
tions tailored to their needs. This model By leveraging a network of trained opera-
delivery of irrigation services to small and
represents a departure from conventional tors and advanced technologies like the
marginal farmers through a multi-faceted
irrigation methods, which often require approach. At its core, the model focuses
farmers to deal with complex designs for on rural entrepreneurship and social engi-
drip systems or spend significant time and neering, where local entrepreneurs, known
resources on labor for shifting sprinkler as ‘Jal Sevaks’ are recruited and trained at
the village level. These Jal Sevaks undergo
training on irrigation technology, cluster-
based crop agronomy relating to critical
stages in irrigation,using hosereel ma-
About the Author chines, gathering field data, and facilitat-
ing farmer enrollment on the AgriRain app.
This grassroots approach not only empow-
Sri Malladi ers local communities but also ensures that
Founder & CEO, AgriRain farmers receive personalized support and
guidance tailored to their specific needs.

Innovation Stories
This data-centric approach uses satel-

lite imagery and soil moisture sensors to
Through engagement on ground with Jal Sevaks and a pay-per-
manage irrigation schedule for each farm- use model, AgriRain ensures transparent and efficient irrigation
er, optimizing water usage and crop yield.
Through engagement on ground with Jal
practices, charging farmers for the volume of water delivered.
Sevaks and a pay-per-use model, AgriRain
ensures transparent and efficient irrigation
practices, charging farmers for the vol-
ume of water delivered. The integration of livelihoods and ensuring food security for
a mobile app streamlines communication their families. The yield response to single
between water entrepreneurs and farmers, protective irrigation through hosereel was
providing real-time updates and enabling to the extent of 52.67% compared to non-
informed decision-making. irrigated groundnut. Fifteen out of twenty
By implementing a cluster-based ap- farmer reported that despite 46% deficit
proach, AgriRain promotes collaboration rainfall and severe moisture stress during
among farmers and Jal Sevaks, maximiz- middle of the cropping season, they could
ing the impact of its interventions. This de- save the crop and obtain a yield of 2.50 to
centralized model creates village-level em- 3.00 q/ha by giving a single protective irri-
ployment opportunities, strengthens com- gation (20 mm) during pre-flowering stage.
munity ties, and promotes local ownership
of irrigation initiatives. Overall, AgriRain's Collaborative Partnerships
Central to AgriRain's success is its col-
innovative model combines technology,
entrepreneurship, and community engage-
By leveraging a network laborative approach to partnership build-
ment to address farmers' water needs and of trained operators and ing. Through the establishment of strategic
partnerships with agricultural universities,
drive sustainable agricultural development.
advanced technologies like research groups, and corporations, Ag-
AgriRain's Interventions the hosereel—a mobile, self- riRain has successfully tapped into tech-
Wardha, Maharashtra
In Wardha, Maharashtra, AgriRain's in-
propelled raingun integrated nology and research to transform the irriga-
tion industry. AgriRain's collaborative cul-
tervention has brought about a remark- with satellite imagery and soil ture highlights its dedication to promoting
able transformation in irrigation practices.
Through collaborations with local farmers
moisture sensors—AgriRain agricultural innovation and sustainability.
and entrepreneurs, AgriRain has aided simplifies the irrigation A Sustainable Path Forward
the adoption of data-driven precision irri-
gation, leading to a significant increase in
process With each new precision irrigation techno-
logical advancement made by AgriRain,
crop yields and farm profitability. By pro- technology, AgriRain has enabled farm- the prospect of a sustainable and water-
viding timely and precise irrigation solu- ers to achieve high levels of agricultural secure farming future becomes more and
tions, AgriRain has empowered farmers to productivity. The findings were significant more real. Through its innovative IaaS
overcome the challenges of water scarcity and highlighted the efficacy of AgriRain's model, transformative technology, and
and maximize the potential of their land. approach as it saved at least 67% of water, collaborative partnerships, AgriRain is
With over 500 farmers across 11 clusters achieved irrigation efficiency of 85 to 90% empowering small and marginal farmers
in Wardha, AgriRain's impact is seen in and increased yield by 35% and profitability to tackle the challenges of water scarcity,
these villages, driving economic growth by 22%. maximize crop yields, and develop resilient
and resilience in rural communities. agricultural communities.
Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh Beyond maximizing crop yields, Ag-
NSC Suratgarh and Sardargarh, Rajas- In the drought-prone district of Anantapur, riRain's impact extends far beyond the farm
than Andhra Pradesh, AgriRain's intervention gate. By promoting water conservation and
In the arid landscapes of Suratgarh and has provided a lifeline to struggling farm- sustainable agricultural practices, AgriRain
Sardargarh, Rajasthan, AgriRain's innova- ers. Through the judicious application of is laying the foundation for a more resilient
tive approach to irrigation has yielded re- precision irrigation technology, AgriRain and equitable agricultural future. Through
markable results in gram crop sown in Rabi has enabled farmers to overcome the its collaborative efforts with local communi-
season. By using existing canal systems as challenges posed by erratic rainfall and ties, AgriRain isn't just transforming agricul-
the water source and deploying Hosereel water scarcity, thereby safeguarding their ture—it's transforming lives.

Water Management
Addressing India's Water Crisis

Watershed Solutions and
Demand-Side Interventions
I
ndia is staring down a perfect storm. As
El Niño's scorching grip intensifies and
Overall, across 3 decades, season and cool winter months, is inefficient
and susceptible to high evaporation rates.
as land degrades at an alarming rate
and droughts become a grim regularity,
WOTR has impacted over Instead, the emphasis should shift towards
replenishing groundwater aquifers. Water-
the very foundation of India's food secu- 6.93 million lives in 7,124 shed development, rooted in both scientific
rity and economic growth is under threat. knowledge and traditional wisdom, offers a
Bengaluru’s water woes – a once-water villages, rejuvenating 2.60 solution that is both sustainable, and scal-
plentiful city – is a stark reminder: India's able. By creating interlinked networks of
water crisis is no longer a distant threat, it's million hectares of land. water harvesting structures such as bunds,
a reality demanding immediate action. The trenches, and check dams, runoff is slowed,
time to act is now. are drawing water incessantly, often fuelled infiltration is promoted, and soil moisture is
This crisis stems from its uneven distri- by subsidised or free power. This dire situ- significantly enhanced. This not only im-
bution of resources. Despite housing 18% ation is worsened by contamination affect- proves water availability but also boosts
of the world's population, India possesses ing 70% of water sources and frequent agricultural productivity and incomes, and
only 4% of its water, leading to severe wa- droughts across vast regions. arrests distress migration, benefiting entire
ter stress for 600 million people. An alarm- A decades-long focus on supply-side communities both economically and so-
ing report by Niti Aayog underscores the solutions – building dams, reservoirs, cially.
urgency, predicting groundwater depletion and pipelines – has proven insufficient to
for 21 major cities – including Delhi, Ben- achieve true water security. To forge a Community Approach
galuru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Any- sustainable future, India must rethink its Since 1993, WOTR has pioneered this
where between 27 - 33 million borewells approach to water management, placing unique approach to water security and
equal emphasis on demand-side solutions poverty alleviation in India. WOTR’s ap-
alongside traditional infrastructure develop- proach goes well beyond just augmenting
ment. water supply – the participatory model pri-
oritises mobilising communities and com-
Watershed Development – A munity ownership of watershed activities
Sustainable and Scalable Solution through representative and inclusive Vil-
In regions prone to drought, where rainfall lage Watershed Committees. This ensures
occurs over a few concentrated days, stor- fair planning, execution, and benefit distri-
ing water above ground, beyond the rainy bution across all strata of society. WOTR
prioritises capacity building, including for
About the Author women and fostering ownership through
technical training and leadership develop-
Mr. Crispino Lobo, ment. Communities contribute labour and
some portion of the costs, taking a stake in
Co-founder and the project's success.
Managing Trustee, WOTR also works to build resilience
in its communities, by enabling them to
Watershed adopt sustainable agricultural practices,
Organisation Trust use water-saving and efficiency-enhancing
(WOTR) methods and diversify livelihoods. With
smartphones now widespread, WOTR's

Water Management
FarmPrecise App puts personalised weath-

er forecasts and crop management advice
directly in farmers' hands, helping them
boost yields and save money.
Policy Push
In collaboration with NABARD, WOTR's
proposals led to the creation of the Water-
shed Development Fund at NABARD and
the National Adaptation Fund for Climate
Change at the Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It The Water Stewardship Initiative (WSI) fo-
also contributed to the development of the cuses on the co-production of knowledge
Central Facilitation Team model adopted by for institutional and behavioural change in
MGNREGA, and actively continues to sup- order to improve community understanding
port government and civil society initiatives and capacity to deal with weather condi-
through participation in committees and by tions, estimated water stocks (surface and
providing training and facilitation support. groundwater) as well as address equity in
India's water crisis, however, now re- access to and use of water for human and
quires a paradigm shift on the demand side nature needs.
as well. Recognising this, WOTR has im-
plemented a slew of measures to address Water Budgeting
this. Water budgeting empowers communities
to make informed decisions about water
Water Governance use against estimated water availability.
WOTR works to strengthen water govern- Undertaken twice a year before and post
ance at the village level, establishing Water the monsoon rains by the community,
User Groups and Groundwater Manage- signal, as it were, investors seeking im- water budgeting enables a community to
ment Committees. These community-led pactful projects. These dynamics align the estimate overall water availability (surface
groups set their own rules for fair water ac- interests of water users and investors, alike, and groundwater) and net water balance
cess, conflict resolution, and efficient water promoting positive water and investment in the light of forecasted monsoons, actual
use. outcomes. The WGS can be downloaded rains received and water demands. On this
In pursuit of broader impact, WOTR and at: https://wotr.org/wgs/ basis, decisions can be accordingly made,
W-CReS (WOTR’s research unit ) have de- at the individual and community levels, re-
veloped the Water Governance Standard Water Stewardship garding cropping pattern to be adopted,
(WGS) which is a rating and accrediting Water stewardship views water users as livestock holdings, livelihoods and human
system. This path-breaking tool seeks effective water managers or stewards. It is consumption. Water deficit, if any, can be
to incentivise water-positive behavioural defined as using water in a way that is eco- addressed by adoption of water-smart tech-
change in stressed communities in order nomically advantageous, socially just and nologies, augmenting water infrastructure
to attract the water-related investments they sustainable for the environment. The vari- and enforcing community-mandated water
need, thus leading to sustainable water ous water users who utilise water for drink- access and use norms. WOTR guides vil-
practices. The WGS operates on a "water ing, livelihoods, agriculture, and industry are lages in creating detailed water budgets,
market" concept where responsible group regarded as significant stakeholders in the allowing them to track progress, plan for
or community water behaviours alert and management of available water resources. contingencies, and adapt their practices for
long-term resilience.
India's water challenges are complex,
The impact of this holistic approach is evident in villages like Pasodi in Jalna, Maha-
but solutions are within reach. Demand-
rashtra. Once heavily reliant on water tankers, Pasodi's community now thrives with two
side management, grounded in strong
annual crop cycles thanks to watershed development, sustainable agriculture practices,
governance, community stewardship, and
and robust water governance. No private water tankers are now needed in the village.
informed water budgeting, offers a path to-
About 18,300 hectares of land have been treated creating a water harvesting potential
ward a sustainable water future. It's time
of 52.27 billion litres. Overall, across 3 decades, WOTR has impacted over 6.93 million
for India to embrace this transformational
lives in 7,124 villages, rejuvenating 2.60 million hectares of land.
approach.

DIGITAL AGRICULTURE
Harnessing IoT
Enhancing Agricultural Efficiency
and Sustainability
O
ver the last decade, the
global recognition of mech-
anization and technological
advancements as essen-
tial elements in agriculture
has surged. This acknowledgment stems
from their role in enhancing productivity,
maintaining crop health, ensuring farmer
profitability, and promoting environmental
sustainability amidst climate change chal-
lenges. Crucial breakthroughs in IoT, AI,
and ML technologies have become linch-
pins in fostering sustainable and profitable
agricultural practices. By synergizing sen-
sor technology with Artificial Intelligence
and Machine Learning algorithms, farmers
can finely tune resource utilization, mini-
mize waste, and amplify crop yields. As a cesses. Sensors installed throughout fields ing crops receive optimal water supply,
result, farmers can make data-driven deci- continually monitor soil moisture levels at minimizing waste, and conserving water
sions to bolster productivity while mitigating various depths, alongside weather condi- resources. Consequently, improved crop
environmental impact, thereby ensuring a tions and specific crop water needs, provid- yields and reduced water consumption per
sustainable and economically viable agri- ing real-time data for actionable insights. unit of output are achieved, enhancing ag-
cultural ecosystem for all stakeholders. AI algorithms analyse this data, leverag- ricultural sustainability.
ing machine learning techniques to craft
Precision Irrigation tailored irrigation schedules, considering Smart Pest and Disease
Precision irrigation stands as a pivotal facet factors such as crop and soil type, weather Management
of modern agricultural practices, aimed at forecasts, and historical data. This preci- Effective pest and disease management
optimizing water usage and fostering sus- sion irrigation system fine-tunes the timing, represent critical components of mod-
tainable crop production. This approach duration, and volume of irrigation, ensur- ern agriculture, where precision irrigation
capitalizes on advanced technologies like
IoT sensors and AI algorithms to meticu-
lously monitor and manage irrigation pro-
About the Authors
Mallesh Tigali, Founder and CEO

and Bhavana Mallesh - Co-founder
and CMO
CultYvate, Farms2fork
Technologies Pvt Ltd

DIGITAL AGRICULTURE
plays an integral role. Appropriate water

management significantly influences crop
Through IoT-enabled Carbon Credits for Paddy
Through IoT-enabled Alternate Wetting
health and resilience against pest and dis-
ease attacks. Precision irrigation ensures
Alternate Wetting and and Drying (AWD) techniques, AI algo-
rithms continuously monitor and regulate
crops receive adequate water at the right Drying (AWD) techniques, water levels in paddy fields, minimizing
time, bolstering their immunity and reduc-
ing susceptibility to pests and pathogens.
AI algorithms continuously methane emissions and conserving water
resources. Data collected can be analysed
Notably, farmers adopting precision ir-
rigation observe fewer pest attacks and
monitor and regulate to optimize low tillage practices, reducing
soil disturbance and enhancing carbon se-
reduced reliance on fungicides. Addition- water levels in paddy questration. Furthermore, IoT integration
ally, IoT devices integrated into automatic
weather stations continuously monitor envi-
fields, minimizing methane enables efficient conversion of biomass
into biochar through precise monitoring
ronmental parameters relevant to pest and
disease outbreaks and furnish real-time
emissions and conserving and control of pyrolysis processes. This
comprehensive approach not only pro-
data. Machine learning algorithms analyze water resources. motes sustainable farming but also em-
this data, identifying patterns and trends to powers farmers to generate carbon credits,
predict potential pest outbreaks and rec- thereby contributing significantly to climate
ommend proactive management meas- Water Treatment for crops change mitigation efforts.
ures. Farmers are able to minimize crop Effective water management is paramount
losses and preserve yield potential while in modern agriculture, especially for crops Integration of IoT Remains
minimizing environmental impact with tech with distinct water needs and sensitivities. Essential
supported insights. Sugarcane a water guzzler, known for IoT technologies are pivotal in modern
its high water requirements, poses chal- agriculture, facilitating precision manage-
Predictive Analytics lenges in water management. IoT-enabled ment practices, data-driven decision-mak-
Predictive analytics, driven by advanced soil moisture sensors and pump controllers ing, and sustainable resource utilization.
systems and machine learning (ML), along with weather monitoring devices op- Across diverse crop sectors, from grains
mark a breakthrough in farming practices, timize irrigation practices. Precise irrigation to fruits, IoT-driven innovations drive in-
providing insights into crop growth, yield can be fully automated , thereby ensuring creased productivity, reduced environmen-
projections, and harvest timing. Sensors significant yield increase along with water tal impact, and enhanced food security on
deployed in fields collect data on crop saving and promoting of soil health. a global scale. As agricultural practices
cultivation aspects like growth stages, Grapes is sensitive to water stress, continue to evolve, the integration of IoT
soil moisture levels, and environmental require careful management for optimal remains essential in addressing the chal-
parameters. ML models then analyze this growth and quality. IoT offers tailored solu- lenges of feeding a growing population
data, incorporating historical and real-time tions for precision irrigation and moisture while conserving natural resources such
information to forecast crop growth and es- monitoring in vineyards. IoT sensors and as water for future generations.
timate yield potential. This empowers farm- AI analytics monitor soil moisture, weather, While the farmers are our end users,
ers to make informed decisions, optimize and vine water status in real time. IoT-driv- our clients primarily consist of large cor-
operations, and boost agricultural produc- en practices enhance grape quality, flavor, porations engaging with us as part of their
tivity, promoting sustainability. and vineyard productivity, supporting sus- corporate social responsibility (CSR) ini-
tainability. tiatives or exporters seeking digital trace-
Climate Resilience Paddy cultivation faces water scarcity ability on water usage, fertilizer, and pesti-
Climate resilience is vital in agriculture with traditional flood irrigation. IoT offers cide footprint. While government initiatives
amid climate change. Sensors monitor solutions to optimize water usage and support farmers' livelihoods, we advocate
environmental parameters, providing real- productivity. IoT sensors and AI analytics for policies and schemes that directly in-
time insights. Algorithms analyse data to monitor water levels, weather, and crop centivize farmers to embrace technology-
predict weather events and assess climate needs, enabling precise irrigation manage- driven solutions, fostering regenerative
risks. Empowered by these insights, farm- ment. This facilitates water-saving tech- practices and enhancing resilience to
ers implement adaptive strategies, optimiz- niques like alternate wetting and drying climate change. Through collaborative ef-
ing water management and investing in (AWD), reducing water consumption while forts between the private sector, govern-
climate-smart technologies. This proactive maintaining yields. IoT also aids in pest ment, and agricultural stakeholders, we
approach mitigates risks, ensures produc- and disease detection, ensuring sustain- strive to create a more sustainable and
tivity, and fosters sustainability in agricul- able water management and food security resilient agricultural ecosystem for the
tural systems. in rice cultivation. benefit of all.

Success Story
Improved Agriculture
through Water Conservation
Intervention of Parmarth
I
ndia is an agrarian country, where
mostly rain fed farming is practiced.
Jal Saheli is Parmarth’s village level. Over 216 new water bodies
have been created and revived through
Due to climate change and exploita-
tion of ground water, water scarcity is
most successful model Jal Sahelis.1250 Jal Sahelis have been
instrumental in hand pump repairing and
increasing that is affecting the ecosys- to engage the community their installation for resolving drinking
tem. Continuous felling of trees is causing water crisis in 551 plus villages through
soil erosion and deteriorating ecological women in seeking Paani Panchayat.
balance. Only 8% of the rain water is be-
ing conserved in the entire country though water rights, improving Migration and Livelihood
the livelihood of half of India’s population
depends on rainwater. Due to these fac- water conservation & There is neither facility for qualitative edu-
cation nor employment opportunities. Due
tors the rural population is in the grip of a
perennial economic crisis.
restoration to water crisis and less available water
for farming, Bundelkhand faced migration
Agriculture in Bundelkhand is rainfed, since last several years.
diverse, complex, under-invested and Agriculture is still the major source
vulnerable. The yields obtained by the model to engage the community women in of livelihood for more than 80 percent of
Bundelkhand Farmers are usually lower seeking water rights, improving water con- Bundelkhand population. Due to the lack
than the state average for the majority of servation & restoration. The Jal Saheli’s of nutrients in the soil, slow progress of
the crops. The region has also been fa- are responsible for carrying forward the technology in the agriculture sector, lack
mous for drought due to which the area water security agenda and provide leader- of crop diversification, uncertainty of
has suffered the most economic disparity, ship towards collective assertion for water weather, the agriculture sector is facing
water crisis, poverty and illiteracy. It is still rights & entitlements, including govern- serious challenges in current times. This
seen struggling with water contingency, ment schemes, through processes such has resulted in increase in rural poverty
poverty, lack of facilities in terms of edu- as awareness generation. In this way, the and is creating a critical situation for the
cation and health and poor employment Jal Saheli engages the community in vil- larger population. Parmarth has designed
opportunities. lage water development as well as prepa- its agricultural interventions plan consider-
ration of water user master plan. She also ing these factors.
Our Jal Saheli Model does liaising with panchayat, government
Jal Saheli is Parmarth’s most successful and politicians and raises water issues at Parmarth’s Intervention in
Command Areas
Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sansthan is con-
tinuously trying to help people to address
About the Author these irrigation woes. To help agriculture
in Bundelkhand region, Parmarth supports
Sanjay Singh, them with sprinkler. Our Paani Panchayat
and Jal Saheli model has been working on
Secretary, water saving and proper management of
Parmarth Samaj Sevi water in many districts of Bundelkhand for
Sansathan Jhansi the last several years. After the interven-
tion of Parmarth, we have not only raised
awareness on water conservation but also

Success Story
promoted cash crop, especially amongst sistent advocacy efforts, the headman of
those farmers who were previously prac- Village Panchayat finally provided funds
ticing traditional farming.
Focusing on Agriculture we have
Over 216 new water for pucca repair with stones and cement.
Now the pond is full of water and provides
worked and introduced many approaches bodies have been ample water for irrigation for the farmers
and models. Drip Irrigation, Farm Bunding, of the village and they can cultivate two
Farm Ponds, and Seed Sowing through created and revived crops a year. She fought against feudal
Seed Drills and AmritPani to enhance the norms in her villages and she organized
quality and quantity of Agriculture are a through Jal Sahelis. women to petition the water board and
few of them. These models not only ease district collector to build new pipelines
water management and conservation, but and taps. With her persistence regular
also promote agricultural livelihood which water supply for all communities in her
eventually stop migration. lady. Village Manpur from Babina block of village is now a reality.
Parmarth have also developed SOP Jhansi district in Bundelkhand region of Geeta was felicitated with Jal Prahari
for Package of Practices. This model Uttar Pradesh is among those villages that Award and UNDP Women Water Warriors
promotes line sowing, micro irrigation, are facing water crisis. Award for her exemplary efforts.
input cost reduction and increase use of In February 2017, Parmarth Samaj
organic fertilizers. Till now, Parmarth has Sevi Sansthan formed Pani Panchayat Babita a Mountain Girl
trained more than 10,000 farmers. These Committee in this village. Geeta Devi Jiski Ladai Uski Agwai
approaches and water conservation and was selected as Jal Saheli by the Pani We all have heard this phrase but Babita
management efforts and awareness of Panchayat members. There is only one from a small village- Agrotha of District
Parmarth increased the agricultural pro- pond in the village which went dry due to Chattarpur of Madhya Pradesh has actu-
duction from 15 to 25 percent. low rainfall and three hand pumps out of ally lived it. Agrotha village of was also a
which one was defunct and the two oth- part of water struggle because of the huge
Geeta Devi - The Water Crusader ers across a National Highway. She mo- mountain located near their village.
Geeta Devi is a Jal Saheli from village tivated the Pani Panchayat members and But the young Babita led the women
Manpur of Babina block of Jhansi district. other villagers to come forward to repair and mobilized them to dig through the
She is 41 years old active and committed the crack of the pond. Due to her con- mountain and she mobilized nearly 200
women from her village and three other
nearby villages- Bhelda, Sevar and Band-
ha- that were dealing with the same prob-
lem. They decided to cut through the 107
kilometre long mountain which was the
major hurdle. By taking the permission of
forest department the women led by Bab-
ita started digging the channel and within
18 months they dug through the mountain
and made a channel and turned the flow
of rain water through that channel into the
Pond.
Babita says, “ It was full of struggle for
the women of our village to fulfil the daily
needs of water.That struggle gave us the
courage to do this work for the sake of vil-
lage people.”
Babita became a role model for the
young women and on February 28th
‘2021 Hon’ble Prime Minister ‘Shri Nar-
endra Modi’ mentioned about her feat in
“Man Ki Baat” programme. Because of
her courage and passion, the women of
Agrotha village solved the water crisis of
their village.

VISUAL STORY
BEYOND QUOTAS: The polder* zones of Bangladesh are home to about nine
Women in Water Governance million people. Majority of this population is engaged in
the agricultural sector.
*A polder is a large area of

land containing farms and
villages encircled by dykes.
1
But effective water management poses a huge challenge

Women play a crucial role in agriculture and food systems, due to tidal hydrology, salinity, waterlogging, and climate
and their involvement in farm production and management stresses such as cyclones and droughts.
is growing with increasing male out-migration.
2 3
In response to the water challenges, the government of

Bangladesh implemented a community governance In the policy, the executive committee of the water management
approach in the early 1990s by establishing groups must include 30% women members. The primary goal
Water Management Groups. was to promote user participation in decision-making
process in water management.
4 5

VISUAL STORY
Women need water for agricultural production and Formal structures, including quotas, have an
postproduction, but their participation in water increased representation of women in
governance has been undermined. water management groups.
6 7
But effective participation in water management Women’s participation in water governance has positive
decision-making is restricted by: outcomes on the water management, agricultural
productivity, and livelihoods.
Time poverty Cultural norms
Limited information Constraints in land

access and finance access
8 9
To promote effective women’s participation in water

governance in polder zones, a holistic approach
BEYOND QUOTAS:
is needed, encompassing: Women in Water Governance
• Gender-sensitive campaigns Authors
• Recognition & redistribution of unpaid work • Mou Rani Sarker: International Rice Research Institute, IRRI-Bangladesh Office
• Equal land access • Mary Ann Batas: International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Laguna 4031, Philippines
• Control over income • Niyati Singaraju: International Rice Research Institute, IRRI-India Office
• Training and capacity-building • Rima Akther: Shushilan NGO, Khulna, Bangladesh
• Mahanambrota Dash: Shushilan NGO, Khulna, Bangladesh
• Manoranjan Mondal: International Rice Research Institute, IRRI-Bangladesh Office
• Ranjitha Puskur: International Rice Research Institute, IRRI-India Office and
• Sudhir Yadav: Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Australia.
Acknowledgements Citation
This work was carried out under the CGIAR Initiative on Sarker, M.R., Batas, M.A., Singaraju, N., Akhter,
Asian Mega-Deltas. The study result based on the “Exploring R., Dash, M., Mondal, M., Puskur, R. and Yadav,
Women Empowerment Pathways in Water Governance for S. (2024). Beyond Quotas: Women in Water
Better Livelihoods (GENERATE)” initiative funded by CGIAR Governance. International Rice Research
GENDER Platform Evidence Module Research Grants. Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 12P.
Additionally, we acknowledge and appreciate the support
received from the USAID Feed the Future Sustainable To know more about AMD visit
Intensification Innovation Lab (SIIL-Polder: Phase II). https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/asian-mega-deltas/
Disclaimer: This publication has been internally peer reviewed. Responsibility for the opinions expressed and
any possible errors lies with the authors and not the institutions involved.
Designed by Simit Bhagat Studios

10

Technology Tweaks
BHUNGROO
Saving Water, Saving Life
I
n developing nations and low-income of water scarcity. This innovation facilitates
countries, smallholders grapple with in- optimal irrigation without leaving a discern-
adequate and poorly timed irrigation, ex- ible water footprint, achieved through the
acerbated by unpredictable rainfall and meticulous reutilization of stored rainwater.
waterlogging. In India, over 6.72 million Operating within a minimal surface
hectares suffer from salinity and seasonal area of just one square meter, each BHUN-
waterlogging, affecting nearly 5 million GROO unit has the capacity to augment
smallholders. Globally, around 260 mil- and conserve an impressive one to four
lion farming families endure over 15 days million liters of water annually within its
of waterlogging, depriving them of crucial subsurface zone. With a diverse portfolio
irrigation during lean periods (FAO 2011). comprising 17 technical designs, BHUN-
This leads to crop failures, financial crises, GROO serves the unique needs of women
and, tragically, farmer suicides. smallholders in various agro-climatic zones
About the Author across India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and
BHUNGROO Ghana. The entire system is intricately
BHUNGROO, a preoperatory knowledge designed to leverage locally available re-
Biplabketan Paul,
of Naireeta Services is a revolutionary sources, skills, and, critically, locally man-
Director (Technical),
solution, which adeptly filters, injects, and ageable maintenance processes.
Naireeta Services Pvt. Ltd
securely stores surplus farm or stormwa-
ter within adaptable subsoil formations, Women Climate Leaders (WCLs)
ensuring its judicious reuse during periods Naireeta's BHUNGROO technology, com-

Technology Tweaks
Naireeta's BHUNGROO
technology, complemented by
the support of Women's Climate
Leaders (WCLs), has been
pivotal in uplifting ultra-poor
women smallholders and their
families from abject poverty and
food insecurity.
plemented by the support of Women's Cli-

mate Leaders (WCLs), has been pivotal
in uplifting ultra-poor women smallholders
and their families from abject poverty and
food insecurity. This initiative addresses
climate shocks like irregular rainfall and
floods, empowering communities to with-
stand disasters, notably droughts.
Over 5,000 BHUNGROO units have
been distributed, benefiting approximately
250,000 individuals in economically chal-
lenged rural areas. Collaboration with gov-
ernmental, private, and corporate entities
has been instrumental in achieving these
milestones. Beneficiary farmers have expe-
rienced improved food security and a sig-
nificant rise in annual family income, from
$197 to $700, over five years. They've also
been relieved of debt burdens, fostering
economic stability. WCLs have seen their
yearly income surge from $180 to $500, en-
hancing their financial independence and
leadership roles in their communities.
The program's emphasis on gender-
driven initiatives, like BHUNGROO's Water
Rights, has empowered women farmers,
The program's Climate Change's Climate Action Award
at COP20, demonstrating leadership in
reinstating their land rights and social dig- emphasis on gender- addressing climate issues. Their commit-
nity. This inclusive approach fosters equity ment to gender equality in climate tech-
in agriculture, leading to tangible benefits driven initiatives, like nology was recognized with the Gender
in economic prosperity, food security, and
empowerment for ultra-poor women small-
BHUNGROO's Water Just Climate Technology Solution Award
at COP24. Collaborations with esteemed
holders and Women Climate leaders in tar- Rights, has empowered institutions like the World Bank, Indian Gov-
geted regions. ernment, and Indo-US Science and Tech-
women farmers, nology Forum underscore their strategic
Recognition
BHUNGROO's impactful work has gar-
reinstating their land partnerships. Support from entities such
as USAID and Lockheed Martin further
nered numerous prestigious awards, af- rights and social dignity. enhance their global initiatives. Their ac-
firming its dedication to sustainability and colades include the Cartier Women Initia-
innovation. Notably, they have earned the tive Awards, showcasing empowerment of
United Nations Framework Convention on women in entrepreneurship.

Food Security
Growing the Future

India Grains and Pulses Council (IGPC)
for Agricultural Revolution
I
ndia is a leading global producer of sta- and sustainability. Inadequate storage Farmers and traders in the grain and puls-
ple grains, notably rice and wheat, with and transport facilities, lead to substan- es sectors often struggle with market ac-
outputs of 130 and 106 million tonnes tial post-harvest losses. Policy dynamics cess and face significant price volatility.
respectively, during 2022-2023. The and regulatory hurdles, including com- This unpredictability affects income stability
country also excels in coarse grains plex subsidy schemes and trade restric- and investment capacity in the sector.
production, including maize, sorghum, tions, create operational inefficiencies and Infrastructural Limitations: Inad-
pearl millet, and finger millet, reaching 51.9 market distortions. Counterparty defaults equate storage and logistics facilities lead
million tonnes during the same period. In- in trade transactions pose financial risks, to post-harvest losses, reducing the overall
dia's total pulse production is significant, undermining trust in the market. Climate efficiency and profitability of the grains and
contributing to its protein supply, with a re- change introduces uncertainty with erratic pulses industry.
cent estimate of 25.6 million tonnes. India weather patterns affecting crop yields and Technological Gaps: Limited access
is fast becoming a global trade hub in agri- quality. Additionally, technological gaps, to modern technology and best practices
culture commodities trading with more than particularly in rural farming practices, limit hamper productivity and quality, leaving
150 countries, accounting for close to $50 productivity improvements and quality en- Indian grains and pulses less competitive
billion in exports and $30 billion in imports. hancements. Addressing these challenges on the global stage.
The sector's dynamics are influenced by is vital for the sector’s modernization and Regulatory and Policy Constraints:
domestic demands, export potential, and for ensuring the long-term food security Complex and sometimes contradictory pol-
global market trends, positioning India as and economic prosperity of India. icies create uncertainties and operational
a key player in the international agricultural difficulties for stakeholders in this sector.
arena. Challenges Facing the Grain and Environmental Concerns: The in-
However, this sector faces multifac- Pulses Industries creasing impact of climate change, water
eted challenges that restrict its growth Market Access and Price Volatility: scarcity, and land degradation poses sig-
nificant risks to the sustainability of grain
and pulse cultivation.
The IGPC is set to play a crucial role in improving Skill and Knowledge Gaps: There
market access and reducing price volatility through is a critical need for capacity building and
knowledge sharing among farmers, trad-
strategic marketing, trade facilitation, and
international partnerships.
About the Author
Deepak Pareek is the founding Convener of the

India Grains and Pulses Council, and an ecosystem
builder in the agriculture domain With 25 years of
diverse experience working across 34 countries, he
is a well-decorated technocrat

Food Security
ers, and other stakeholders to enhance

industry standards and practices.
Counterparty Defaults and Trade
Disputes: Aberrations and defaults in
payments or deliveries in commodity trad-
ing can lead to significant financial losses,
eroding trust among market participants.
These defaults impact liquidity and stability
in the market.
Role of the IGPC in Addressing

These Challenges
Enhancing Market Access and Stability
The IGPC is set to play a crucial role in im-
proving market access and reducing price
volatility through strategic marketing, trade
facilitation, and international partnerships.
By creating more predictable and stable
markets, the council can help ensure bet-
ter stability for all ecosystem players.
Infrastructure Development
The IGPC has collaborated advancement.
One of the council's strategic objectives is with the International Agro Conflict Mitigation and Dispute Resolu-
tion
to address infrastructural deficiencies by
advocating for investment in storage and
Arbitration Centre (IAAC), The IGPC has collaborated with the Inter-
logistics facilities. This would help reduce the world's pioneering agro- national Agro Arbitration Centre (IAAC), the
post-harvest losses and improve the over- world's pioneering agro-focused dispute
all supply chain efficiency in the grains and focused dispute settlement settlement entity, to transform dispute res-
pulses sector. entity, to transform dispute olution in the agriculture and food sectors
both in India and globally. This partnership
Technological Advancement and Inno- resolution in the agriculture aims to enable the swift and economical
vation
The IGPC aims to bridge technologi-
and food sectors both in resolution of trade conflicts.
cal gaps by promoting the adoption of India and globally. A Comprehensive and Coordinated
advanced technologies and innovative Approach
farming practices. This includes support- Promoting sustainability is central to the The India Grains and Pulses Council, with
ing research and development initiatives IGPC's vision. The council intends to en- its vision of making Indian agriculture glob-
and facilitating access to modern tools and courage sustainable agricultural methods ally competitive and sustainable, is poised
techniques, thereby enhancing productivity that minimize environmental impact, en- to lead this transformation. Through its stra-
and product quality. hance soil health, and ensure the long-term tegic objectives and operations focused
viability of the sector, addressing concerns on market development, infrastructure
Policy Advocacy and Regulatory Re- related to climate change, water use, and improvement, technological innovation,
forms land management. policy advocacy, sustainable practice pro-
Advocacy for supportive policies is a cor- motion, and stakeholder capacity building,
nerstone of the IGPC's mission. The coun- Capacity Building and Knowledge Shar- the IGPC is well-positioned to address the
cil plans to work with the government for ing current challenges and drive the future
policy reforms that simplify regulations and The IGPC is committed to empowering growth of the grains and pulses sector in
create a more conducive environment for stakeholders through education, train- India. This initiative not only promises to
the growth and expansion of the grains ing, and networking opportunities. By enhance the economic well-being of farm-
and pulses sector, both domestically and enhancing the skills and knowledge of ers and traders but also contributes to the
internationally. those involved in the grains and pulses national goal of food security and environ-
value chain, the council aims to elevate mental sustainability, marking a new era in
Sustainable Agricultural Practices industry standards and drive collective the agricultural landscape of India.

PERSPECTIVE
Agriculture Value Chain

Transformation
Role of Consultancy
A
griculture value chains are
multifaceted, encompassing
multitude of activities span-
ning from input acquisition
and farm production to pro-
cessing, post-production, packaging, mar-
keting, and distribution to consumers.
Challenges along the Value Chain

Challenges exist at each stage of this value
chain, varying based on factors such as
product type, crop variety, agroclimatic
conditions, geography, and demograph- fragmentation, further strain the margins
ics. Common challenges encountered dur-
Consultancy plays a crucial role across the value chain.
ing the input and farm production stages in facilitating the adoption of
Consultancy Services – For
include difficulties in accessing quality in-
puts, resource constraints such as limited
cutting-edge practices tailored to Seamless Collaboration
land, water, finance, and skills, as well as local requirements, thus enabling In the agriculture sector, a diverse array
risks associated with erratic weather pat- the establishment of a fully of stakeholders converge to form an eco-
terns and extreme events, which can ad- system, encompassing farmers, agribusi-
versely affect crop growth, pest manage- operational digital agriculture ness entities, governmental bodies, supply
ment, and overall farm resilience. ecosystem. chain participants, research and technical
Similarly, challenges in the post-pro- institutions, NGOs, financial institutions, in-
duction and processing stages revolve put suppliers, service providers, and trade
around infrastructure gaps, such as inad- associations. In an optimally functioning
equate processing and storage facilities, ecosystem, these actors seamlessly col-
as well as technological obsolescence, laborate, ensuring efficient interaction and
leading to post-harvest losses and compro- minimal information disparities across the
mised product quality, thereby impacting
regulatory compliance standards.
Downstream challenges include limited
access to market information, reaching
target markets, and pricing products com-
About the Author
petitively, particularly for smallholder farm-
ers who often struggle to earn a fair share Utsav Mishra,
of the end product value, exacerbating
sustainability concerns. Furthermore, dis-
Director, EY.
tribution and logistics inefficiencies stem-
ming from inadequate transportation and
storage infrastructure, along with market

PERSPECTIVE
Within the realm of

agriculture, consultancy
services serve as a
cornerstone in managing
the intricacies of the sector,
spanning from strategy
development to on-the-ground
execution.
value chain.
Inputs and Production Within the realm of agriculture, con-
o Precision Agriculture technologies such as GPS-guided tractors, drones,
sultancy services serve as a cornerstone
and satellite imaging enabling precise application of inputs, including
in managing the intricacies of the sector,
seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, optimizing resource use and minimizing
spanning from strategy development to
environmental impact.
on-the-ground execution. Internationally,
o Remote sensing technologies providing real-time data on soil health, moisture
meticulously crafted consulting projects
levels, and crop conditions, empowering farmers to make informed decisions
have yielded substantial impact, whether
and tailor inputs to specific crop requirements
through comprehensive value chain trans-
o Smart Farming Systems, IoT sensors, automation, and data analytics
formations or targeted interventions ad-
platforms facilitating monitoring and management of farm operations, from
dressing specific challenges within seg-
irrigation and pest control to livestock management, enhancing productivity
ments of the value chain. These include
and reducing labour costs.
• Providing strategic design, plan-
o Genetic engineering and biotech innovations improving crop resilience,
ning and policy assistance to conceptual-
disease resistance, and nutritional content, enabling farmers to produce
ize and implement vital initiatives
higher yields and superior-quality crops.
• Facilitating informed decision-
making by leveraging expert insights and
Processing & post production learnings from best practices
o Automated processing equipment and robotics streamlining production • Strengthening linkages among
processes, reducing labour requirements, improving product consistency, and value chain participants and addressing
enhancing food safety standards information asymmetries
o Quality Control Systems based on Advanced sensors, imaging technologies, • Empowering stakeholders to
and machine learning algorithms enabling real-time quality assessment and navigate evolving market dynamics, adopt
sorting of agricultural products, ensuring compliance with industry standards new technologies, mitigate risks, and seize
and consumer preferences. emerging opportunities
o Blockchain technology enhancing traceability and transparency in the supply
chain, enabling stakeholders to track product origins, monitor handling
Technology Application
conditions, and verify authenticity, thereby reducing food fraud and waste.
Today, technology is playing a transforma-
o Predictive analytics and demand forecasting tools optimizing inventory
tive role in revolutionizing agriculture value
management, transportation logistics, and distribution routes, minimizing
chains. From precision farming and IoT-
stockouts, reducing costs, and improving delivery efficiency.
enabled monitoring to blockchain-based
traceability systems, technological inno-
Market Linkages vations enable stakeholders to enhance
o Online marketplaces and digital platforms connecting farmers directly with transparency, traceability, and efficiency
buyers, expanding market access, eliminating intermediaries, and enabling across the value chain. Consultants lev-
farmers to capture a larger share of the value chain surplus. erage technology to develop customised
o Mobile Applications providing farmers with access to market information, price solutions that empower farmers, proces-
trends, weather forecasts, and agricultural advisory services, empowering sors, distributors, and retailers to harness
them to make informed decisions and negotiate better prices. data-driven insights, optimize resource al-

PERSPECTIVE
location, and unlock new avenues for value based practices of the first agricultural
creation. Going forward, with limited land Consultants leverage technology revolution, we have now entered the era of
& other resources, technology is going to and best practices to develop Agriculture 4.0. Agriculture 4.0 signifies the
play an increasingly higher role in improv- convergence of digitalization and artificial
ing agricultural productivity and distribu- customised solutions that intelligence in agriculture, facilitating au-
tion systems to meet the increasing food & empower farmers, processors, tonomous methodologies and widespread
nutrition requirements while being climate sensing mechanisms to ensure food secu-
sustainable at the same time. Some key
distributors, and retailers to rity. This digital agriculture paradigm has
applications at different value chain stages harness data-driven insights, the potential to be the most transformative
are being:
optimize resource allocation, and and disruptive yet, revolutionizing not only
farming practices but also reshaping every
Impactful Initiatives unlock new avenues for value aspect of the agricultural value chain.
"Drip to Market Agri Corridor" implemented creation. Consultancy plays a crucial role in
in Karnataka, saw implementation of drip facilitating the adoption of cutting-edge
irrigation over 5 lakh hectares of land utiliz- established enterprises, facilitating the ex- practices tailored to local requirements,
ing state-of-the-art technology to enhance change of innovative concepts, technolo- thus enabling the establishment of a fully
efficiency and productivity. This initiative gies, and enterprises with larger industry operational digital agriculture ecosystem.
also facilitated appropriate market linkag- counterparts, and offering access to stra- Moreover, as global climate regulations
es to ensure the uptake and realization of tegic flexible financing options come into effect, consultants will assume
favourable prices, thereby benefiting farm- Another initiative focusedon bolstering an increasingly significant role in ensuring
ers and stakeholders throughout the entire climate-resilience and economic viability of sustained growth and compliance with poli-
value chain. small holder farming systems within rain- cies and regulations. This will involve iden-
A climate innovation centrewas estab- fed, drought-prone, salinity affected dis- tifying tailored solutions for specific sectors
lished with the objective of implementing tricts of Maharashtra panning over 26 lakh and geographic regions, promoting the
a comprehensive, country-driven strategy hectares of agricultural land and benefitin- dissemination of best practices, fostering
to expedite the development, deployment, gapproximately 19 lakh farmers stakeholder connections, and ensuring the
and transfer of climate-resilient technolo- efficient and timely execution of initiatives.
gies tailored to local contexts. This initiative Role of Consultancy By leveraging these technological inno-
involved the establishment of regional in- Over the span of a century, agriculture has vations across the agriculture value chain,
novation clusters to maximize the utilization witnessed a series of transformative revo- stakeholders can unlock new opportunities
of available resources and infrastructure, lutions, enhancing efficiency, productivity, for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive
fostering collaboration, and cultivating an and profitability to unprecedented levels. growth, ultimately driving positive socio-
ecosystem that consolidates existing Each subsequent revolution has taken pro- economic and environmental outcomes
partnerships. Additionally, it focused on gressively shorter periods to materialize. and consultants will have a key role to play.
enhancing the capacity of both new and From the rudimentary tools and animal- * Views are personal

Agri FinTech
Transformative Influence of
Technology on Crop Insurance
W
ith the constant ad-
vancement of technol-
Leveraging satellite data, hance the quality of agricultural practices
and safeguard production from potential
ogy, the agricultural in- crop insurance companies losses.
dustry in India is going The data collected is compared with
through a major trans- gain a more precise analysis historical data categories in indices includ-
formation. Among the various changes, of the condition of crops ing Normalized Difference Vegetation In-
crop insurance is a key area that is seeing dex (NDVI), Land Surface Wetness Index
a remarkable shift. The use of technology both before and after losses. (LSWI), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR),
has transformed the way insurance com- Backscatter, Fraction of Photosynthetic
panies track and manage crop insurance health status. Additionally, this technology Active Radiation (fAPAR), and more. This
using Remote Sensing, Satellite Imagery, aids in predicting climatic risks such as helps in increasing accuracy for crop mon-
Data Analytics, and more making it effi- droughts, floods, and pests. itoring and taking preventive measures for
cient and cost-effective. Leveraging satellite data, crop insur- risk mitigation against esteem weather
This is a positive change for farmers, ance companies gain a more precise conditions and disasters.
especially because in the past, they have analysis of the condition of crops both
encountered numerous difficulties related before and after losses. It allows them to Implementation of Yield
to insuring their crops. For example, the make better and more profitable policies. Estimation System through
first-ever crop insurance in India was for This heightened accuracy enables them Technology
cotton and was launched by the Gen- to formulate more effective and profitable Implementation of the Yield Estimation
eral Insurance Corporation (GIC) around insurance policies. Consequently, farmers System through Technology (YES-TECH)
1972-73. Post that, while many insurance and agribusiness consultants can lever- under PMFBY since 2023 aims to bolster
schemes were launched, it was still a dif- age the benefits of crop insurance to en- the precision and reliability of crop yield
ficult task to scale them up owing to man- estimations essential for PMFBY. The
ual processes involved in enrolment and launch of YES-TECH follows the suc-
claim assessment, making the implemen- cessful implementation of similar model in
tation of such schemes expensive and in- the State of West Bengal under Bangla
efficient. Lack of transparency in the claim Sashya Bima (BSB) Scheme since 2020,
assessment process has been another which is a fully remote-sensing based
major challenge in the past Schemes. claim assessment model. BSB has been
However, with the infusion of tech- successful in enabling swift and accurate
nology, the landscape of crop insurance claim payment to farmers right after their
in India is undergoing a total makeover, losses, when the claim amount is most
resulting in improved accessibility and af- needed by them to restart their agricultural
fordability. This is also evident from the practice.
government's effort to implement technol- As YES-TECH significantly relies on
ogy in crop insurance with schemes such the satellite imagery data collected at
as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana granular levels, the quantity and quality
(PMFBY).
About the Author of such data plays a huge role in success-
ful implementation of this initiative. The
Satellite Technology for Crop Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites of the
Monitoring Mr. Siddesh
European Space Agency (ESA) are piv-
One of the key technological advance- Ramasubramanian, otal in crop insurance for supplying high-
ments in the crop insurance sector is the Fellow Member, resolution spatial and temporal data. To-
use of satellite imagery to monitor crop Institute of Actuaries of gether, they provide unparalleled spatial
fields. Satellite-derived bio-physical pa- India (IAI) resolutions (up to 20m for Sentinel-1 and
rameters help detect vegetation and crop 10m for Sentinel-2) and frequent revisits

Agri FinTech
(every 12 days/5 days for Sentinel-1 and

Sentinel-2, respectively), enhancing the
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles methods are utilized in Actuarial Tech-
niques for crop loss modelling to assess
precision of crop loss assessment in an (UAVs) or Drones have agricultural risks and damages. The en-
efficient and transparent manner. Access tropy method, a non-parametric approach,
to Sentinel data is offered free of charge, emerged as valuable tools in analyses variability in RST-based data to
promoting its extensive use in agricultural
monitoring and insurance applications.
assessing crop damage and assign weights to each RST parameter,
attributing greater importance to param-
estimating crop losses. eters that introduce more information,
Implementation of National thus offering a solid framework for insur-
Weather Information Network & ance assessments without presuming a
Data System specific data distribution. Conversely, Ma-
without physical inspections, which can be chine Learning (ML) models, and other
Another major initiative of Government of
time-consuming and costly. Drones can parametric models, exploit historical data
India is the implementation of the Nation-
cover a large area of farmland quickly and and recognizable patterns to predict crop
al Weather Information Network & Data
efficiently, capturing images from different yields and losses with increasingly accu-
System (WINDS) which aims to setup a
angles and heights. By combining this rate outcomes over time. By leveraging a
national network of Automatic Weather
data with satellite imagery and weather- variety of data analysis techniques, these
Stations (AWSs) and Automatic Rain
based indices, complete crop health infor- methodologies furnish sophisticated tools
Gauges (ARGs) at granular levels to cap-
mation products can also be developed. for crafting precise and adaptable crop in-
ture accurate weather data at real-time.
This national data will have wide-ranging surance models.
applications in the fields of crop insurance, Data Analytics for Faster Claim
sowing, cropping, harvesting and market Settlement Conclusion: What does the future
planning, and providing timely crop advi- Data analytics has emerged as a game- hold?
sories to farmers. Apart from this, WINDS changer in the crop insurance sector. There has already been a rise in the num-
network will also nurture further research Large volumes of data streams on crops ber of technology-driven crop insurance
and development in other related fields for are now available from various sources initiatives by Insurtech players as well as
a wider application and strategic utilization such as satellites, weather stations, and the Indian government, showcasing the
across multiple sectors of the economy. mobile applications. This makes it easier transformative potential of these advance-
for insurers to check the correctness of ments.
By marrying technology-driven data during the entire policy lifecycle from Government of India is also promoting
methodologies with conventional enrolment till loss assessment. insurance companies to launch new inno-
crop cutting experiments (CCEs), Insurers can now corroborate enrol- vative products based on technology so-
YES-TECH seeks to refine the ment under crop insurance Schemes with lutions under the PMFBY Sandbox. This
insurance claim assessment process. satellite imagery data to identify cases of would not only drive innovation but also
This strategy is anticipated to enable over insurance or insurance of wrong crop. offer a single source platform for farmers
prompt and accurate compensation Modern data analytics tools also provide to access such products thereby making it
to farmers for crop losses, fostering quick assessment of data to identify dupli- easier to scale-up these products.
increased participation in the scheme cate enrolments thereby further reducing As technology continues to evolve,
and bolstering the agricultural over insurance. the outlook for the future of crop insur-
sector's resilience to adverse events. In the past, claim assessment relied ance appears promising. Insurers are
only on manual crop-cutting experiments, poised to provide more accurate risk
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles which were prone to sampling and non- assessments, faster claims settlement,
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or sampling bias. However, with the availa- and customised insurance products. For
Drones have emerged as valuable tools bility of extensive data on crop health indi- farmers, these developments translate
in assessing crop damage and estimat- cators, it is now possible to develop more into enhanced accessibility, affordability,
ing crop losses. Equipped with high-res- accurate and objective assessments of and transparency within the insurance
olution cameras and sensors, drones can crop losses. This can be used to increase process. This, in turn, empowers farmers
capture detailed images of agricultural the insurance settlement process between to manage risks more effectively, thereby
fields, providing real-time information on insurers and farmers. stabilizing their income. Ultimately, these
crop health/damage. Insurers can use technological strides contribute to foster-
this information to accurately assess the On Actuarial Techniques for Crop ing sustainability in the Indian agriculture
extent of crop losses caused by natural Loss Modelling ecosystem and ensuring the livelihoods
disasters, pests, diseases, or other factors Advanced statistical and computational of farmers.

Webinar
Empowering
Women
Driving Gender Equality and Entrepreneurship
O
n March 8, 2024, in con-
nection with International
Women’s day, Agriculture
Today Group in partnership
with Heifer International or-
ganised a webinar , “ Empowering Women
: Driving Gender Equality and Entrepre-
neurship.”
The webinar was attended by Ms. An-
jana Nair, Group Editor, Agriculture Today
Group; Ms.Rina Soni, Executive Direc-
tor, Passing Gifts (Heifer India); Mr. NK
Rajavelu, CEO, Crop Protection, Godrej
Agrovet; Mr. Amit Patjoshi, CEO, Palla-
dium India, Ms.Tehseen Zaidi, Corporate
Communications Head India, Syngenta;
Dr.Udita Sarkar, Director (CII), Grameen
Foundation India, Dr. Deepti Rai, Senior
Ms. Kavita Singh said that she got a

new identity after she associated with
Heifer in 2015. She received training
which helped her acquire knowledge
and awareness which changed her
life.
Ms. Phulamanin Hembram talked

at length how access to information
changed her life and gave her a new
identity. She said that she received
training in administering vaccination
and medicine for poultry and she in
turn gave training to other women.
She talked about how economic in-
dependence helped her give better
life to her children and plan ahead for
the future.

Webinar
Research Associate, Mobius Founda-

tion; Ms. Priyanka Mallick, MD, QQRI; Mr.
Deepak Pareek; Mr. Shawan Ali, Country
Manager, Pepsico GDA and Ms. Vinita
Singh, Senior Manager, Agriculture Today
Group. Apart from this Women smallholder
Farmers associated with Heifer India such
as Ms. Kabita, BOD, Odisha; Ms. Phula-
manin Hembram, CAVE, Odisha; Ms. Nu-
tan Devi, Board of Director, PO Bihar and
Ms. D Gunja Das, CAVE, Bihar also spoke
at the webinar.
Ms. Anjana Nair while welcoming the
panellists noted that agriculture employs
80% of economically active women in India
and there is a growing feminisation in agri-
culture sector due to rural to urban migra-
tion of men. She said that empowering and
mainstreaming women workforce in agri- Ms. Nutan Devi, talked about how she got acquainted with good agricultural practic-
culture can bring about a paradigm shift in es. She realised that the trainings that she received from Heifer helped her become
agriculture and it will enhance India’s food self reliant. Having associated with heifer since 2018, she has received training
and nutrition security. By helping women and she noted that this has helped women to become decision makers. She also
access new technology, knowledge, mar- elaborated on the activities of FPO.
ket and subsidies, we are inadvertently
helping Indian agriculture to prosper and more than what is reported. She believed
Ms. Gunjan Das talk about how that women have always been entrepre-
develop, she added.
training had helped her get recogni- neurs and was not recognised . She also
Ms. Reena Soni said that Heifer had
tion in the village. She said that with noted that NRLM bought a sea change in
the first hand knowledge of how giving ac-
the vehicular help she received she the status of women. Self Help Groups also
cess to women to technology can change
could cover longer distances. She re- played a major role.
their lives. Currently there are 1,20,000
counted how her economic situation Ms. Deepti Rai talked about gender
women associated with Heifer.
had improved and helped her set up inequality and the gender gap in payment.
Mr.Rajavelu was quite emphatic about
a shop. She also said that she gave She believed that emotionally a change
the role played by women in agriculture.
training to other women and passed should be brought in women. She also
He also informed that Godrej Agrovet will
on the knowledge that she received was conversant about how knowledge can
partner with the Agriculture Skill Council of
to them. change the lives of women and can em-
India and the Future Agriculture Leaders
of India to nurture one lakh women in the power then at ground level.
sector for better employment opportunities Ms. Priyanka Malik brought the dis-
and economic upliftment. to technology and knowledge. She also cussion to the corporate sector. She noted
Mr. Amit Patjoshi talked about invest- gave a brief account of Syngenta’s CSR that less than two percentage Fortune 500
ing in women and how it can increase initiatives of empowering women. companies had women CEOs. She also
productivity in different sectors. He talked Mr. Shawan Ali talked about the noted that there is a drop in women in sen-
about the initiative of Palladium, “Go Or- Global Development Alliance created by ior roles. Marriage and motherhood being
ange” and how a group of remarkable the collaboration of Pepsico and USDA. two stages where women drop out from
women known as the "Siba Baba Brahma He talked about Pepsico’s potato supply their active career.
Kumari" Self-Help Group (SHG) are inspir- chain and how engaging women can drive Mr. Deepak Pareek talk about the dif-
ing changes. business. He also mentioned that Pepsico ference in mind set in women and men.
Ms. Tehseen Zaidi, believed that em- was training women in new job roles such He discussed about the need to invest in
powered women empower women. She as drip irrigation maintenance, spraying women and how their role will potentially
called for creating a chain of empowered etc., that were not traditionally assigned increase in years to come.
women. She talked about how women to them. Ms. Vinita Singh thanked all the pan-
don’t have an identity, right to land or ac- Dr. Udita Sarkar said that the exact ellist for their participation and noted that
cess to credit and should be given access number of women working in agriculture is the webinar was a success.

Biogas Slurry for

O
rganic farming is gaining
momentum globally, and Biogas
India stands at the forefront Biogas production is a process that converts organic waste into energy through
with the highest number of anaerobic digestion (AD). This process is facilitated by microorganisms that break
organic producers. To sus- down organic matter, generating biogas. Biodegradable materials such as cow dung
tainably meet the demands of the global and agricultural residues are broken down in an oxygen-free environment during the
organic market, India must transition to or- AD process, resulting in the production of biogas - a versatile energy source that
ganic practices while adopting renewable can be used for various applications.The by-product of anaerobic digestion, known
energy sources like biogas. as digestate or biogas slurry (BGS), exists in either a solid or liquid form. The slurry
enriched with a diverse range of microorganisms and secondary metabolites is a
Indian Scenario rich source of macro and micronutrients. Recent studies have confirmed that biogas
The adoption of Biogas has the potential slurry (BGS) derived from cow dung is nutrient-rich.
to provide dual benefits of energy and bio-
product. Biogas slurry is fermented to form
Fermented Organic Manure (FOM), which About the Authors
is also known as Fermented Organic Ferti-
lizer. India has the world's largest livestock
population, generating substantial quanti- Dr. Deepti Rai
ties of animal waste. For example, bovine Senior Research Fellow,
dung alone (cow and buffalo dung) con- and
tributes 256.2 MT to the annual production Dr.Bhagyashree
of 730 MT of dung by animals, resulting
in an estimated annual production of 76.8
Kesherwani
MT of BGS (assuming 1 kg of cattle dung Project Associate, Mobius
produces approximately 0.4 kg of BGS). Foundation, New Delhi
These figures highlight the availability of bi-
ogas slurry from biogas plants, which can

be used as bio slurry to supply agriculture.

By promoting the
GOBARdhan Initiative
The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Re-
use of BGS in crop
sources Dhan (GOBARdhan) initiative production, India can
launched by Ministry of Jal Shakti, includes
various schemes and programs from differ-
enhance agricultural
ent ministries and departments. The gov- productivity
ernment has launched initiatives under the
GOBARdhan umbrella to promote sustain-
while minimizing
able agriculture and a circular economy by environmental impact.
leveraging biogas-generated residual fer-
mented organic manure (FOM) and liquid
fermented organic manure (LFOM). The
GOBARdhan initiative serves the purpose
of fulfilling the need for cleaner energy Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Applications in Agriculture
sources, promoting responsible resource specifically contributing to SDG 7 (Afford- Fermented organic manure (FOM) and
management, reducing greenhouse gas able and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Respon- liquid fermented organic manure (LFOM)
emissions, improving health outcomes, sible Consumption and Production), and derived from BGS offer several advantag-
and supporting environmental sustain- SDG 13 (Climate Action). es for Indian agriculture. They enrich soil
ability. Furthermore, GOBARdhan aims to
health, reduce reliance on chemical fertiliz-
promote environmental sanitation, prevent
ers, and facilitate waste management. By
vector-borne diseases, and empower rural
communities through entrepreneurship and Initiatives like GOBARdhan promoting the use of BGS in crop produc-
tion, India can enhance agricultural pro-
income generation.
The objectives of the GOBARdhan
underscore the government's ductivity while minimizing environmental
impact.
initiative include establishing 500 "waste commitment to addressing
to wealth" plants, comprising 200 com-
pressed biogas (CBG) plants, 75 plants
waste management challenges Case Studies and Research
International examples, particularly from
in urban areas, and 300 community or while promoting agricultural China, demonstrate the efficacy of biogas
cluster-based plants at a total investment of
Rs.10,000 crore. This initiative aligns with sustainability. slurry in improving crop yields and soil fer-
tility. Studies indicate its potential as a foliar
fertilizer, reducing the need for pesticides
and enhancing chlorophyll levels. Moreo-
ver, BGS application has shown superior
results compared to chemical fertilizers,
highlighting its promise for sustainable ag-
riculture.
For Food Security

The integration of biogas production and
the utilization of its by-products present a
promising pathway for India's sustainable
development journey. Initiatives like GO-
Other initiative taken by government was Waste to Energy Scheme by the Ministry BARdhan underscore the government's
of New and Renewable Energy, the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Af- commitment to addressing waste manage-
fordable Transportation) scheme by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, ment challenges while promoting agricul-
the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM(G) Phase II program by the Depart- tural sustainability. By embracing biogas
ment of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), the Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF) technology and its applications, India can
of the Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, and the Animal achieve food security, environmental con-
Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) by the Department of Animal servation, and rural development goals,
Husbandry & Dairy. ensuring a prosperous future for genera-
tions to come.

Market Analysis
Pesticide Trends in India
F
armers employ various meth-
ods, including cultural, physi-
cal, mechanical, biological,
and chemical approaches, for
pest management. However,
chemical control has been predominantly
favored by farmers, including those with
small land holdings, due to its ability to de-
liver immediate results.The data available
on website of Directorate of Plant Protec-
tion, Quarantine and Storage, Faridabad
revealed that consumption of pesticides in
India was 92887.078 M.T. (Tech. Grade)
during the year 2018-19. It follows a defi-
nite pattern that pesticide consumption in-
creased and decreased alternately by two
to five thousand M.T. (Tech. Grade). It may
Source: DPPQ&S
be because of farmers’ belief that if they
used heavy dose of insecticides one year,
then next year some less extent of pesti-
cides is enough for pest management.
Over the period of five year

(2018-19 to 2022-23) slight
but appreciable change in
pesticides consumption
has been noticed
The share of chemical pesticide is
much more than the indigenous pesticides
and bio-pesticide. It holds 61.85 to 65.42
per cent which indicates its adoption by
the farmers. The main drawback of indig-
Source: DPPQ&S
enous pesticides is that most of the indig-
enous pesticides is applied at high dose so
more amount of pesticide is required and
it is also not effective as chemical pesti-
cides. The report of Standing Committee
on Chemicals and Fertilizers (Chair: Dr.
Shashi Tharoor) published on 19th Dec
2023 indicating that herbicides used to kill
weed have 44 per cent share in market
followed by fungicides (27%) and insec-
ticides (22%).
Dr. Sudeepa Kumari Jha, Asst. Prof-cum-Jr. Sci.,

Farmers Prefer Chemicals over
VKSCoA, Dumraon, Buxar and
Biopesticides
The government, agricultural institution Dr. Monobrullah, Pr. Sci., ICAR-ATARI, Patna

Market Analysis
and many non-government organisations

working in field of agriculture tried very
hard to create awareness on the benefit
of bio-pesticides over chemical pesticides.
But it is not very much acceptable among
the farmers community. The major cause
is it’s specificity. Specificity means itis
capable for management of only specific
group of pests. For example, most popu-
lar among microbial insecticides is Bacil-
lus thuringenesiscan be used against
only lepidopteran larvae. NPV is a virus
based microbial insecticides which is
species specific. Its HaNPV strain is ef-
fective against only Helicoverpaarmigera.
Due to this region,farmers do not prefer
bio-pesticides.The other reason is lack of
education in farmers and buyers. Most of
the farmers only think about instant profit.
They ignore the harmful effects of chemical
insecticides like resistance development
in pests species, resurgence and resi-
due problem which can be minimized by
the use of bio-pesticides. The shelf life of
chemical pesticides is relatively longer than
the bio-pesticides. In short term chemical
insecticides are relatively more economical
than bio-pesticides. The efficacy of chemi-
cal pesticides is also much more than the
other pesticides.
The market demand is such that
the produce that appear free from pest
hashigher price. Most of the buyers don’t
prefer fruits or vegetables even slightly af-
fected by the pest. Most of the farmers of Source: DPPQ&S
India have small land holdings and they
are totally dependent on agriculture for
their livelihood. So, they are averse to any The report of Standing Committee on Chemicals and
risk that affect their income even in short
term.
Fertilizers (Chair: Dr. Shashi Tharoor) published on 19th Dec
2023 indicating that herbicides used to kill weed have 44
Change in Trend
Over the period of five year (2018-19 to per cent share in market followed by fungicides (27%) and
2022-23) slight but appreciable change in insecticides (22%).
pesticides consumption has been noticed.
The chemical pesticides consumption was number of sale point for pesticide distri- rently, the import of pesticides has also
decreased by 12.07 per cent and bio-pes- bution increased from 222731 to 285865 seen an increase, climbing from 116,595
ticides consumption increased by 0.62 per in this period of time. In the international to 133,807 M.T. (Tech. Grade).
cent. trade, India has consistently demonstrated For sustainable agriculture, farmers
The major pesticide consuming crop a surplus in exports over imports. Over the should adopt integrated pest management
was cereal followed by oilseeds and puls- course of five years, the export volume of that means amalgation of all the manage-
es. Cereal crop consumes 36.21 to 40.05 major pesticides has risen from 461,070 ment practices including use of bio-pesti-
per cent of total pesticide utilized. The to 629,606 M.T. (Tech. Grade). Concur- cides and chemical pesticides.

Report
Uttar Pradesh Agrotech 2024

1st-3rd March, Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow
T
he 20th edition of Agrotech or- aiming to delve into the state's strengths, ment.
ganized by the Indian Cham- challenges, and potential opportunities. Dr Rasappa Vishwanathan ex-
ber of Food and Agriculture pressed his optimism that Uttar Pradesh
in collaboration with the De- Cultivating Change: Uttar Agrotech 2024 would mark a transforma-
partment of Agriculture, Gov- Pradesh's Progressive Push for tive milestone for agriculture, offering farm-
ernment of Uttar Pradesh took place in Crop Diversification ers invaluable insights through technology
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, from March 1st The Inaugural Ceremony of the event was demonstrations and product showcases.
to 3rd, at the Indian Institute of Sugarcane graced by Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Addi- Dr Anesh Kumar Sharma under-
Research, ICAR. tional Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar scored the significance of soil testing and
Over the course of three days, the Pradesh; Dr MJ Khan, Chairman, Indian the importance of micronutrients in aug-
event featured an exhibition highlighting Chamber of Food & Agriculture; Dr Rasap- menting productivity. He introduced ECIL’s
the newest advancements and innovations paVishwanathan, Director, Indian Institute ground breaking product designed to as-
in agriculture, informative sessions led by of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow; Dr An- sess soil nutrient levels, facilitating precise
industry professionals, workshops tailored esh Kumar Sharma, Technical Director, nutrient application to optimize productivity.
for farmers, a Development Meet, and the Electronics Corporation India Ltd and Mr. Mr Mukesh Singh stressed the pivotal
presentation of the Innovative Farmers Mukesh Singh, Managing Director, Indo role of public-private partnerships in bol-
Award 2024. Approximately 4000 farmers American Chamber of Commerce. stering exports, enhancing market linkages
attended the event, making it a significant Dr. MJ Khan, during his welcome ad- and ensuring fair prices for farmers, echo-
gathering for the agricultural community. dress, emphasized on the crucial role of ing the progressive policies of the Uttar
partnerships between the industry and Pradesh Government.
Day 1: 1st March, 2024 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) Shri Devesh Chaturvedi articu-
The event commenced with its inaugura- in strengthening agriculture and leverag- lated how the Agrotech exhibition stands
tion, graced by the presence of Shri De- ing technological advancements. He also poised to offer holistic solutions to farm-
vesh Chaturvedi, Additional Chief Secre- underscored the significant investment, in- ers, spanning from tillage to post harvest
tary of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, novation, and developmental opportunities management, through innovative industry
alongside various other dignitaries. Follow- available within the state. Dr. Khan further initiatives. He underscored the state gov-
ing the inaugural session, a Development stressed the importance of enhancing and ernment’s commitment to promoting crop
Meet focused on Uttar Pradesh ensued, consolidating exports for holistic develop- diversification, emphasizing the inclusion

Report
of pulses, oilseeds, millets and maize in

its diversification scheme, with assured
procurement at MSP.With agriculture en-
compassing 12% of total area and contrib-
uting to 20% of the country’s production,
Shri Chaturvedi reiterated the govern-
ment’s dedication to fostering agricultural
prosperity and sustainable growth in Uttar
Pradesh.
Development Meet on
Uttar Pradesh
Dr. MJ Khan, Chairman of the Indian
Chamber of Food and Agriculture, mod-
erated the Round Table discussion. The
session saw thirty participants represent-
ing various sectors including industry,
academia, progressive farming, financial
institutions, and others. rimental effects on both soil health and air promote mechanization in Indian agricul-
Dr. MJ Khan emphasized Uttar pollution. He stressed the importance of ture and enhance its efficiency.
Pradesh's pivotal contribution to the coun- transitioning from "Swastha Dhara to Khet Vishal and Swati Sharma from VST
try's economy, with exports totalling Rs. Hara" (from healthy soil to green fields). Tillers and Tractors Ltd advocated for
19,000 Crores. He further highlighted the Hemanth Kumar, Shaktiman highlighted the formulation of policies that promote a
state's significant role in the sugar, dairy, Uttar Pradesh as a burgeoning state with mechanized environment in Indian agricul-
and horticulture sectors. Dr. Khan stressed abundant opportunities for investment, ture. Discussing their sugarcane harvest-
on the necessity of empowering the farm- growth, and development. He emphasized ers, they emphasized the significant role
ing community through forward linkages on the need for capacity-building programs Uttar Pradesh will play in utilizing these
and value addition initiatives. He also dis- within Uttar Pradesh to educate farmers on machines, considering its status as the
cussed the price parity challenge faced by the utilization of farm machinery, thereby largest producer of sugarcane.
the sector between producers and con- harnessing technology for agricultural Abhishek Das, TAFE highlighted
sumers, advocated for district-level farmer advancement. Additionally, he suggested some of their new products and requested
awareness programs, and emphasized the providing subsidies on farm machinery to the participants to visit the stall to get more
importance of Precision Farming and ad- information of the same.
vancing post-production practices to bridge PK Pandey from Crystal Crop pro-
this gap. vided an overview of the company's prod-
Dr. Rasappa Vishwanathan, Director, ucts, emphasizing the importance of plant
IISR underscored Uttar Pradesh's status health, plant nutrition, and plant produc-
as the state hosting the highest number tion in achieving high-quality yields. He
of ICAR institutes. He noted a remarkable expressed Crystal Crop's commitment to
increase in sugarcane productivity over elevating Uttar Pradesh to "Uttam Pradesh"
recent years, with India establishing itself (the best state). Pandey stressed the sig-
as a benchmark for sugarcane productivity nificance of maintaining soil health and en-
globally. Dr. Vishwanathan highlighted that hancing productivity through the principles
crop diversification initiatives have resulted of using the Right Chemical, Right Dose,
in savings of Rs 20,000 crores. Regarding Right Crop, and Right Time.
suggestions, he emphasized the need for Jitender Gaur, IPL Biologicals identi-
greater emphasis on the mechanization fied soil health, nutrient management, and
sector to empower farmers. carbon content as prominent challenges
Dr. Bhuvaneshwar Pandey advocat- in contemporary agriculture. He proposed
ed for the adoption of practices that require addressing these challenges by integrat-
minimal inputs yet yield maximum outputs. ing technology for soil health management,
He then highlighted the pressing issue of employing biological solutions, managing
stubble burning in the state, noting its det- residues effectively, and adopting precision

Report
farming techniques to ensure food safety.

Karthik Rawal, SSK Bharat Group
discussed the benefits of natural and or-
ganic farming in preserving soil health.
Alok Tiwari from the State Bank of In-
dia mentioned their focus on implement-
ing the "Cluster to Connect" initiative and
providing financing support to Farmer Pro-
ducer Organizations (FPOs). Additionally,
he highlighted SBI's involvement in exten-
sion services.
Anand, a Progressive Farmer from
Sultanpur, recounted his transition from
a soldier to a farmer and emphasized the
importance of organizing awareness cam-
paigns for high-value crops to transform
farming into a lucrative venture.
Manish Dubey, Swaraj discussed
about the portfolio of Swaraj Tractors which Sandeep, JCB showcased agricultural
are AI integrated and has location tracking equipment and emphasized their initiatives
features. for women empowerment and capacity
Suresh Babu from Electronics Cor- building.
poration India Ltd (ECIL) highlighted the Rahul Saini of VST Tillers and Tractors
prevalent deficiency of zinc and selenium Ltd. discussed the company's journey, vi-
in Indian soil and informed the audience sion, and mission.
about ECIL's system designed to assess
soil health and determine nutrient content Concluding Ceremony and
accurately.
Presentation of Innovative
Piyush, Krishi Udaan underscored the
Farmers Awards 2024
significance of drones in agriculture and
The event was concluded on 3rd March.
suggested that the government should of-
Shri Brajesh Pathak, Hon’ble Deputy Chief
fer subsidies on drones to encourage their
Minister, Govt of Uttar Pradesh graced
utilization in the fields.
application. the event as the Chief Guest, celebrated
Sandeep Pattnaik from HarvestPlus the outstanding contributions of 11 farm-
Day 2: 2nd March, 2023 addressed the biofortification initiatives un- ers hailing from different districts of Uttar
Session 1: Seed Health and dertaken by the organization and highlight- Pradesh.
Soil Health ed the hidden hunger prevalent in India. Shri Brajesh Pathak said, recognizing
Mr. RK Singh, Additional Director of Exten- farmers for their outstanding work will en-
sion for the Government of Uttar Pradesh, Session 2: Farm Machinery courage more farmers for greater innova-
highlighted the state government's initia- Aashish, TAFE told about a sensor-based tions in agriculture. He added that the UP
tive to establish 200 Farmer Producer Or- tractor in the 50HP category that oper- government is fully committed to empower-
ganizations (FPOs) to empower farmers. ates without a driver, emphasizing its fuel ing farmers with technology and marketing
Additionally, he underscored the govern- efficiency and contribution to sustainable support.
ment's commitment to supporting farmers agriculture. Dr. MJ Khan, Chairman of the Indian
by providing subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, Hemanth Kumar from Shaktiman Chamber of Food and Agriculture, high-
and farm machinery. highlighted Uttar Pradesh's significance lighted the pivotal role of such events in
Jitendra Gaur from IPL Biologicals in agriculture, especially for sugarcane, strengthening the bond between farmers
emphasized the vital role of soil in ensuring inviting participants to test their sugarcane and innovation.
sustainability in agriculture. He proposed harvester. Dr. Bhuvaneshwar Pandey commend-
the installation of soil health meters to pro- Pankaj, Swaraj outlined their current ed the organizers for convening this signifi-
mote the precise application of chemicals. initiatives and future plans aimed at em- cant event, which facilitated the gathering
Additionally, he advocated for the utiliza- powering farmers through technology and of key stakeholders to enhance the farming
tion of biologicals and drones for pesticide community involvement. sector.

Regular Posting Date 27-28 DL(ND)-11/6128/2024-25-26
Date of Printing 23 RNI No. 68745/98
Post Office: Lodhi Road

Agriculture Today - April 2024

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April 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 1

2 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

Time for Water Resilient

of irrigation, utilizing surface water resources.As per the Central Water

Maharashtra an iron fist.

IT Manager - Ankit Kumar

IT Manager - Ankit in the face of water stress. So far the challenge

From The Group Editor's Desk 03

4 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

Ushering in Transformative Change

How well-endowed is India with

To address the having 18% of the global population.

the next action per economic growth, livelihoods, human

water management Despite possessing surface water

water sources for wells, often operating with subsidized

6 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

April 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 7

8 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge

April 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 9

Kanishka Chatterjee, Director, The/Nudge Prize

a pool of 130+ applications .

Conceived by Srinivas Malladi in 2015, AgriRain proposes a Data-driven Irrigation as a

10 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

Founded by Amandeep Panwarand Rishabh Choudhary in 2016, BharatRohan uses hy-

Founded by Sanjay Dasari and Karthik Jayaraman in 2019, Censa

Founded by Santana Gopal Komandur in 1985, Centre for Environ-

April 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 11

Established in 2016 by Mallesh T M, Sudarshan

Established in 2018 by Narayan Lal, Gurjar Pu-

12 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

Founded by Shrilesh Rajendra Mande and Shubham Sanjay Pardeshi

Founded in 2018 by Tarang Patel and Priya Patel, Intech Har-

Founded by Amit Saraogi and Dr. Clementine Chambon, Oorja,

April 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 13

Established in 2019 by Prajwal M. and Shivanand S, Oscillo Ma-

Founded by Kaushal Jaiswal and Mr. Richard Klapholz, Rivulus has

Kaushal Jaiswal and Mr. Richard Klapholz

14 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

Established by Jasveer Singh, Faizan Shaikh and

Established in 2018 by Satyam Khagen Bose, Virenxiaworks on Digitally-enabled

Satyam Khagen Bose

April 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 15

Since 2019-20, there has been

About the Author

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal is Secretary, Department of Agriculture and

16 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

of INR 100 cr. provided for year 2022-23

April 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 17

Climate Resilient Agriculture–

Crop Diversification– Options for

18 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

‘DSR Adoption at Scale

April 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 19

What are the benefits of DSR?

20 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

adoption of techniques like direct-seeded

ing method (AWD). We are hopeful that

April 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 21

Wasting Each Drop,

22 AGRICULTURE TODAY April 2024

only states where the scheme remains

April 2024 AGRICULTURE TODAY 23

Women-led Community Participation