In a boost to the agriculture sector in Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Agritech Innovation Hub and the Agritech Startup and Technology Showcase was inaugurated at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT), Meerut on 8th July 2025.
The Innovation Hub is expected to provide technological solutions to the real needs of the farmers of the state that will not only help increase their income but will also promote sustainable farming.
The Uttar Pradesh Agritech Innovation Hub and the Agritech Startup and Technology Showcase were inaugurated jointly by Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Jayant Chaudhary,Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education.
Agritech, short for agricultural technology, is the use of modern technology to improve the efficiency and productivity of farmers with precision farming.
Agritech includes the use of data technologies, combining artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotech, along with data on soil conditions, weather patterns, etc, to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Precision farming uses data analytics and sensors to help farmers use accurate amounts of water, fertilisers, and pesticides to increase the productivity of their crops. This will reduce the wastage of water, fertilisers and pesticides, thus promoting sustainable farming.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar, has been given the responsibility to work on "AI in Agriculture" as a Centre of Excellence by the central government as part of its effort to ensure that cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning etc are used in the agricultural sector.
For this purpose, IIT Ropar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the SVPUAT, Meerut, to set up an Agritech Innovation Hub and the Agritech Startup and Technology Showcase at the SVPUAT.
IIT Ropar’s Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Lab, which includes IoT sensors, automation systems, and cloud computing infrastructure, will be utilised for the Innovation Hub.