India’s agricultural sector has long been the backbone of its economy, employing nearly half of the nation’s population and playing a crucial role in national development.

According to the Economic Survey 2024, the Indian agriculture sector provides livelihood support to about 42.3 per cent of the population and has a share of 18.2 per cent in the country’s GDP at current prices.

 

The sector today, stands at a critical juncture, challenged by climate change and resource constraints on one hand, yet propelled forward by technological advancements and evolving consumption patterns on the other. More than ever, there is an urgent need to make agricultural practices more resilient, efficient and sustainable.

Recognizing this imperative, the government has taken the lead in fostering innovation, supporting the adoption of next-generation technologies and sustainable farming practices. These efforts are aimed at boosting productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

The transformation is already underway. With a surge in digital solutions, the growing viability of precision farming, and climate-resilient strategies, Indian agriculture is evolving rapidly. Proactive policies, a thriving agri-tech startup ecosystem, and global partnerships are all accelerating this shift. As key innovations reshape the sector, agriculture in India is not only securing livelihoods but also emerging as a sustainable driver of economic growth.

Government Led Sustainable Agri

And yet, even as India proactively embraces agricultural innovation, the sector continues to grapple with the mounting challenges of a warming world. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and frequent crop failures put immense pressure on farmers, underscoring the urgent need for even more adaptive and resilient farming practices.

Beyond impacting yields, these climate-driven disruptions threaten food security and rural livelihoods, making sustainability not just an option but a necessity.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Indian government has taken decisive steps to promote climate-resilient agriculture. Through a combination of forward-looking policies, strategic investments, and farmer-centric programs, it is working to safeguard the sector’s future while ensuring that agricultural growth remains both sustainable and inclusive.

Take for example the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project. Launched in 2011 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) it aims to develop and implement climate-resilient practices across different agri-climatic regions. Over the last decade (2014-2024), ICAR has released 2,593 new crop varieties, of which more than 2000 exhibit tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In August 2024 alone, 109 new varieties across 61 crops including 34 field crops such as cereals, millets, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and fiber crops, along with 27 horticultural crops including fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, medicinal plants, and plantation crops were introduced.

Furthermore, the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) initiative has established close to 450 Climate Resilient Villages (CRVs) across more than 150 vulnerable districts, demonstrating adaptive technologies such as zero-till wheat sowing, direct seeding of rice, aerobic rice cultivation, and in-situ rice residue incorporation to mitigate climate risks and enrich sustainability. Additionally, under the national Soil Health and Fertility Scheme 8,272 soil testing labs have been established nationwide, improving soil health monitoring and optimizing fertilizer use. The Soil and Land Use Survey of India has mapped approximately 290 lakh hectares, aiding better land management and sustainable farming practices.

Other important initiatives including the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) have facilitated the expansion of micro-irrigation to over 61.72 lakh hectares, improving water efficiency and supporting farmers in arid regions. Another government program, the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) has also helped to convert 14.99 lakh hectares into organic farmland since 2015-16, benefiting over 25.20 lakh farmers and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices.

The Role of Precision Farming and Agri-Startups

Building on these initiatives, the practice of precision farming is reshaping Indian agriculture. By equipping farmers with AI-powered tools, data analytics, and satellite imagery, it is optimizing resource use and increased yields. Additionally, IoT-based solutions and real-time soil health monitoring is enabling targeted interventions, reducing input costs and mitigating climate risks.

The national Digital Agriculture Mission, launched in September 2024, is accelerating this transformation by integrating AI and machine learning for weather pattern analysis and soil data assessment.

As of December 2024, close to 30,00,000 Farmer IDs have been generated, and a Digital Crop Survey has been conducted in more than 400 districts. Additionally, with the government initiative, AgriStack—focused on building an ecosystem that enables the delivery of digital agri services--precision farming is steering India towards a tech-driven, resilient agricultural future.

Keeping in mind the advanced technologies and innovative practices introduced and required by precision farming, the Government of India is actively promoting agri-startups through financial and technical support under initiatives like the Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development program.

India’s agri-startup ecosystem comprises of over 1,700 startups across states and union territories. These startups leverage AI-driven agronomic advisory, data analytics, digital marketplaces, and farm-to-market supply chain solutions to improve transparency, efficiency, and profitability. By utilizing big data, blockchain, and mobile technology, they not only minimize resource wastage but also improve resource allocation. As a result, the sector has seen significant growth, attracting investments and fostering farmer-centric solutions that address climate challenges.

Beyond its support for startups, the government is also actively creating an enabling ecosystem for more resilient agricultural practices by aiding farmers with seamless access to markets, tech-enabled decision support systems and call centers. It has also launched a central sector scheme, Namo Drone Didi, to empower women-led Self-Help Groups contribute to precision farming by using drone technology.

Boosting AgriTech with Global Partnerships

With strong government support, a focus on sustainable practices, and an emphasis on innovation through technology and agri-startup expansion, India is crafting a resilient agricultural framework. Nonprofits including our Foundation also play a role in working closely with the government and other partners to advance innovations and climate-smart agriculture.

Some of the ways they do this is by advancing collaborations with private trusts and agri-incubation networks, to help identify and scale agri innovations that address the challenges posed by a changing climate. Additionally, they also make investments in research, development, and farmer training programs to ensure that smallholder farmers who make up nearly 80% of India's farming community gain access to sustainable and climate-resilient techniques.

Innovations in Indian agriculture are increasingly focused on sustainable practices, precision farming, and tech-driven solutions. With government support, technological advancements, and strong partnerships, India is steadily progressing towards a future where agriculture remains both productive and environmentally responsible.