A Groundbreaking Step for Smart Agriculture in Maharashtra
In a major boost to its agricultural and economic agenda, the Government of Maharashtra signed a Memorandum of Understanding valued at approximately ₹2,500 crore at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The agreement, inked with the Rural Enhancers Group and Nutrifresh Farm Tech India Pvt. Ltd., spots the state at the forefront of smart agriculture innovations that blend technology with sustainability. The signing took place in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marking the first agriculture-focused MoU that the state has formalised at the global economic summit.
Details of the Smart Agriculture MoU
Under the terms of the MoU, Maharashtra will receive large-scale investments aimed at building climate-responsive and technology-oriented agricultural infrastructure. The initiative is designed to be launched by April 2026 and will leverage technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to modernise farming practices across the state. Nutrifresh Farm Tech India, a Pune-based agricultural technology company known for its Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) solutions, will play a key role in delivering quality produce using advanced digital tools.
The MoU was formally signed by Ambar Ayade, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rural Enhancers Group, and Sanket Mehta, Chief Executive Officer of Nutrifresh Farm Tech India Pvt. Ltd. Rural Enhancers Group will act as the project integrator and funding agency, while the Maharashtra government will provide vital policy support, institutional backing, and implementation partnerships. The investment is expected to be financed through a blended structure involving financial institutions based in the United Arab Emirates, Indian public sector banks, development finance institutions and other foreign lenders.
Technological Focus and Project Vision
A key pillar of the initiative is the use of Controlled Environment Agriculture, a system that enables cultivation in regulated conditions that optimise water, nutrition and climate variables. Nutrifresh’s expertise in CEA is expected to help farmers produce consistent, high-quality agricultural products year-round, regardless of seasonal constraints. The strategies to be deployed include deployment of AI for data-driven crop management and IoT-enabled sensors for real-time monitoring of crop health, water usage and environmental conditions.
Nutrifresh Farm Tech India was founded in 2019 by Ganesh Nikam and Sanket Mehta. The company currently offers more than 50 agricultural products and operates across more than 15 Indian states in addition to select international markets. Under the terms of this MoU, Nutrifresh plans to expand its operational footprint to cover 2,000 acres of farmland by 2028, targeting an annual revenue of USD 250 millions.
Employment Opportunities and Economic Impact
One of the core objectives of the smart agriculture initiative is to generate significant employment in both direct and indirect agricultural sectors throughout Maharashtra. Ambar Ayade highlighted that the project would create job opportunities in rural areas and encourage climate-resilient agricultural practices. This includes supporting women’s participation in agri-business, bolstering rural incomes, and fostering agri-tourism as complementary economic activities.
Structured programmes backed by assured market linkages are also expected to benefit farmers by creating stable demand and reducing market uncertainties. The combination of advanced technologies, better planning, and an integrated supply chain has the potential to transform farming from a primarily subsistence activity to a technology-enabled business model for thousands of small and medium farmers across the state.
Strategic Importance for Maharashtra’s Agriculture Sector
The smart agriculture MoU aligns with Maharashtra’s broader policy goals to modernise its agriculture sector and enhance resilience against climate change. By integrating cutting-edge technologies into farming practices, the state aims to reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture while increasing productivity. Given that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Maharashtra’s economy, supporting 45 percent of the workforce and contributing significant value to the state’s GDP, investments that improve sustainability and innovation are critical.
The adoption of AI and IoT technologies also complements other state initiatives, such as the MahaAgri-AI Policy, which is designed to expand AI usage across farming systems, boost farm productivity, and improve access to markets and credit facilities for farmers. These synergistic efforts aim to make Maharashtra a leader in digital agriculture in India.
Government Support and Global Recognition
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who witnessed the MoU signing in Davos, emphasised the importance of attracting global partnerships that can bring technological advancement to Maharashtra’s farmers. The smart agriculture agreement reflects an increasing confidence among international investors in the state’s agricultural reforms and policy environment. It also underscores Maharastra’s commitment to climate-smart solutions that combine economic growth with sustainability.
The World Economic Forum platform provided a global stage for Maharashtra to showcase its potential as a hub for agri-tech innovation, and this momentum is likely to attract similar collaborations in the future. As part of its participation in Davos, the state government also secured multiple other MoUs across sectors, highlighting its strategic approach to comprehensive socio-economic developments.
Future Outlook and Challenges Ahead
Looking forward, the implementation phase beginning in April 2026 will be crucial in translating the goals of the MoU into tangible benefits for farmers and rural communities. Key challenges will include ensuring equitable access to new technologies, effective training for users of smart farming systems, and creating robust market channels to absorb increased agricultural outputs. Sustained monitoring and adaptation of strategies based on farmer feedback and environmental conditions will be essential for long-term success.
The Maharashtra government and its partners have expressed confidence that, with the right policy framework, investment support, and community participation, this smart agriculture initiative can become a model for similar efforts across India and beyond. As Maharashtra transitions towards more productive and sustainable farming models, this ₹2,500 crore MoU serves as a foundational step in a broader transformation of the agriculture landscape.
Conclusion: A New Era for Smart Agriculture
The signing of the ₹2,500 crore smart agriculture MoU at Davos marks a significant milestone for Maharashtra’s agricultural sector. With a focus on leveraging technology, enhancing climate resilience, and expanding economic opportunities for farmers, this partnership between the government, Rural Enhancers Group, and Nutrifresh Farm Tech is poised to reshape farming practices across the state. As implementation unfolds in 2026 and beyond, the success of this initiative will be closely watched by policymakers, industry stakeholders, and agricultural communities alike.
Read More: https://channel6network.com/water-rise-by-20-feet-maharashtra-lonar-lake/
