Chennai, 02 Jan 2025 | ANN: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare have joined forces to revolutionize India’s agricultural extension system with the launch of Project VISTAAR. The initiative, aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural advisory services, focuses on digitalizing the delivery of timely, accurate, and contextual information to farmers across the country.

The collaboration was formalized through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), enabling the enrichment of the VISTAAR platform (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources). The platform will provide comprehensive information on agriculture and allied sector startups, empowering farmers with easy access to cutting-edge innovations and technologies.

In addition to startup solutions, VISTAAR will integrate details of government schemes related to agriculture, allied industries, and rural development, ensuring farmers can benefit from a wider range of resources.

Driving Innovation in Agriculture

“Agriculture forms the backbone of India’s social and economic fabric. Ensuring a strong agriculture sector is a major policy imperative. Startups have a vital role in bringing innovation across the agricultural value chain,” said Professor Thillai Rajan A., Head of the Centre for Research on Start-ups at IIT Madras.

“This collaboration will make rich information easily accessible to farmers and significantly enhance the effectiveness of agricultural extension services,” he added.

The digital transformation of the current extension system is expected to substantially expand its reach, allowing farmers to access high-quality advisories on various aspects such as crop production, marketing, value addition, and supply chain management.

Sustainability and Climate Resilience

Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension) at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of the initiative in fostering sustainability and climate resilience. “Innovative technologies from agri-startups are crucial for making agriculture sustainable and climate-resilient. Connecting these technologies with farmers through extension services is critical for adoption and impact. The collaboration with IIT Madras will play a pivotal role in achieving this through VISTAAR,” he said.

The initiative is expected to be a game-changer in India’s agricultural landscape by fostering a seamless integration of technology, policy, and grassroots engagement. By equipping farmers with access to advanced solutions and knowledge, Project VISTAAR aims to bolster productivity, resilience, and overall economic prosperity in rural areas.

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