Meerut: In a significant boost to India’s agricultural modernization agenda by bringing revolution, Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, jointly inaugurated the Uttar Pradesh Agritech Innovation Hub and Agritech Startup and Technology Showcase at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT), Meerut, on July 8, 2025.
The high-profile event saw the participation of several dignitaries including Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, UP Cabinet Minister for Agriculture; Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar; and Dr. K.K. Singh, Vice Chancellor, SVPUAT, alongside top scientists, innovators, students, and progressive farmers.
India’s Growth Incomplete Without Village Prosperity: Dharmendra Pradhan
In his address, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan hailed the initiative as a “historic and meaningful step” toward realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat. He emphasized that India’s development cannot be complete without the development of its villages and prosperity of its farmers. He lauded SVPUAT’s new-age curriculum designed to meet evolving agricultural demands and benefit farmers through education, technology, and innovation.
Shri Pradhan highlighted that the soul of India resides in its fields and granaries, and while the service sector is globally competitive, India’s true prosperity lies in rural rejuvenation and agricultural productivity. He also acknowledged the Centre of Excellence established under the Union Budget to bring AI, machine learning, and data analytics directly to farmlands—implemented under the guidance of IIT Ropar as part of the Agritech Innovation Hub.
“Innovation Must Grow From the Soil Itself” – Jayant Chaudhary
Minister of State Shri Jayant Chaudhary emphasized that real transformation begins when innovation takes root in the soil. He positioned the Agritech Innovation Hub not as a standalone project but as a collaborative ecosystem—where farmers, researchers, and startups work in unison to solve practical agricultural challenges.
He reiterated the vision to merge traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technology, thereby empowering farmers as pioneers of modern agriculture. He called it a movement that aligns with India’s cultural ethos while advancing technological frontiers.
Highlights of the Launch Programme
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Technology Demonstration: A hands-on session at the university’s Model Smart Farm showcased precision agriculture tools and drones in action.
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Startup Exhibition: Over 20 agritech startups exhibited AI-driven, IoT-based, and sustainable solutions designed for Indian agricultural conditions.
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MoU Signing: IIT Ropar and SVPUAT signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster research and knowledge exchange in agritech.
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Farmer Felicitation: Several progressive farmers were honored for contributions to sustainable and smart farming practices.
Key Features of the Agritech Innovation Hub
The newly inaugurated Agritech Innovation Hub is embedded with:
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IoT-enabled sensors for soil monitoring and crop health
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Smart irrigation and automation systems
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Real-time data analytics for precision farming
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Drone-based nutrient spraying systems integrated with SOPs
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Cyber-Physical Systems support from IIT Ropar’s CPS Lab with a ₹75 lakh investment
The hub is designed to cater to region-specific needs, ensuring inclusivity and relevance to farmers across Uttar Pradesh and Northern India.
Commitment to Capacity Building and Inclusion
To ensure grassroots impact, the initiative includes:
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Training workshops for farmers, startups, and university researchers
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Engagement of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in dissemination
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Participation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), especially women-led groups, for drone operations under NaMo Drone Didi Yojana
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Support for youth skilling in agri-mechatronics and farm data analytics
Towards Sustainable and Technology-Led Agriculture Revolution
In closing remarks, both ministers reiterated that the Agri-tech Innovation Hub is a leap toward sustainable, self-reliant, and technology-empowered Indian agriculture. In times of global food insecurity and climate disruptions, initiatives like this will ensure India leads not only in food production but also in resilient and innovative farming.
The hub stands as a symbol of hope and empowerment—ensuring that agricultural development is inclusive, smart, and future-ready.
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Source: PIB
