Technological Interventions: Mechanization and Post-production Technologies for the Stakeholders
摘要
The mechanization of agriculture has improved substantially in India, reaching 45% with an annual growth rate of 7.5%. Technologies such as drones, agribots, variable rate technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, blockchain, and so on are transforming the agricultural value chain and allied sectors. These changes present unique opportunities for stakeholders, including farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), agribusinesses, consumers, policymakers, and academia. For farmers and FPOs, mechanization and precision agricultural technologies offer greater efficiency and productivity in farm operations and support informed resource management decisions. Additionally, agribusinesses benefit from improved post-production technologies that help reduce losses and improve marketability, cold chain logistics, and traceability systems. Technological interventions have also improved food safety, availability, diversity, and consumer sustainability. The government of India has established the Double Farmer Income Committee to review and recommend market reforms with a greater focus on agriculture and allied sectors and other related businesses, as well as to conduct consultations with various stakeholders to achieve greater convergence between field-industry evidence, science and technology, and policy support. These advances are creating a sustainable environment for the stakeholders. Still, ensuring equitable access and affordability to these technologies is important while considering stakeholders’ different needs and circumstances.