‘AI in the Agricultural Sector will Increase Employment Opportunities – AgriNext Summit

KOCHI:
The AgriNext Summit, held in Kochi, has highlighted that employment opportunities in the agricultural sector will increase with the advent of artificial intelligence, challenging the general perception.

The event, jointly organised by the Kerala Startup Mission, the Agriculture Department, and the World Bank for the KERA project, was held at the Kerala Startup Mission campus in Kalamassery. Around 50 MoU’s were signed with farmers and Startup’s in the summit.

During the inauguration, Kerala Project Director and Principal Secretary Dr B Ashok stated that integrating technology will attract more investment in agriculture and support the cultivation of diverse crops.

Dr Ashok emphasised that updating agricultural policies and incorporating modern technology can make farming a profitable profession.

He stressed the importance of recognising the benefits that technology brings to farmers. Currently, robotics, drones, and IoT technologies are extensively used in the plantation sector and large-scale agriculture. However, there is a need for technologies that cater to small farmers as well.

The KERA project has a Rs 100 crore budget for drip irrigation systems, and it is anticipated that the advancements in artificial intelligence in other sectors will also extend to agriculture in the near future. He urged farmers to be prepared for this transition.

Dr Ashok also noted the exceptional achievements of Kerala’s startup ecosystem in agricultural technology and mentioned that the Startup Mission serves as the best platform for executing the agricultural technology initiatives of the KERA project.

State IT Special Secretary Seeram Sambasiva Rao addressed the summit online. He pointed out that the Summit will help in finding practical solutions to problems in the agricultural sector through technology. He also pointed out that the startup ecosystem in Kerala is capable of solving various challenges faced by small and medium farmers.

While there are concerns about job losses in other sectors due to artificial intelligence, KSUM CEO Anoop Ambika, who presented the resolution at the event, highlighted that employment opportunities in agriculture will significantly increase. Such exchange summits help address the practical problems faced by ordinary farmers and aim to protect the agricultural sector while promoting innovative technologies.

World Bank Representative Aseb Fissha Mekonnen noted that global experience indicates that incubation plays a crucial role in the success of agri-tech startups. She added that the KERA project will serve as a bridge between farmers and startups.

The event, themed “Technology in the Field, Change to the Yield,” attracted around 1,000 farmers and over 256 selected agri-startups.

Officials from the agriculture department, policymakers, investors, and others also participated. The summit featured panel discussions, testimonials from farmers and startup entrepreneurs, and other engaging activities.