Union Ministers Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Shri Jayant Chaudhary Inaugurate Agritech Innovation Hub at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Union Ministers Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Shri Jayant Chaudhary Inaugurate Agritech Innovation Hub at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan hails AnnamAI as a shining example, calling it “Science for Society” Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary says, “True transformation begins when innovation takes root in the soil” ANNAM.AI to drive Smart Farming through AI, IoT, and Real-Time Analytics at New Agritech Innovation Hub IIT Ropar to support Agritech Hub with up to 75 Lakh, advancing AI and Precision Farming in Rural India Posted On: 08 JUL 2025 6:38PM by PIB Delhi In a historic move set to revolutionize the landscape of Indian agriculture, Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship & MoS for Education Shri Jayant Chaudhary jointly inaugurated today ‘the Agritech Innovation Hub’ at the College of Technology, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT), Meerut in presence of Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Hub is powered by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar. This initiative aims to merge technology with agriculture, empowering farmers and paving the way for a more sustainable and progressive agricultural future in India.The grand occasion witnessed the inauguration of the Agritech Innovation Hub, the Agritech Startup & Technology Showcase, and a live Technology Demonstration at the “Model Smart Farm” within SVPUAT’s campus, aims to bring new ideas, research, and support directly to farmers and help them grow with the help of science and innovation. The Agri-tech Innovation Hub is equipped with IoT-enabled sensors, smart irrigation systems, automation technologies, and a real-time analytics platform to drive precision farming and sustainable agriculture. The hub will bring together farmers, technologists, researchers, innovators, and stakeholders from state agricultural departments, academia, and agri-tech startups to co-create and adopt region-specific, scalable solutions. IIT Ropar will contribute its CPS Lab components—including IoT sensors, automation systems, and cloud computing infrastructure—with a commitment of up to INR 75 Lakhs. On this occasion, Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, as the Chief Guest, applauded the effort as a shining example of “science for society.” He highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to integrating AI and emerging technologies in education, research, and grassroots applications, particularly in agriculture. He appreciated the efforts undertaken by the Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI COE) for Agriculture: Annam AI supported by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Speaking at the launch, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, as the Guest of Honor on the occasion, emphasized the hub’s significance in empowering rural youth and farmers alike to embrace a new era of agritech-driven progress, highlighted the importance of aligning tradition with technology. He said, " Today, the "Karm Bhoomi" of Kisaan Masih, Bharat Ratan Chaudhary Charan Singh has witnessed the beginning of a new era in agriculture modernization through Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture. True transformation begins when innovation takes root in the soil. The AgriTech Innovation Hub in Meerut, supported by IIT Ropar’s deep-tech expertise, is not just a project — it's a movement to empower our farmers as pioneers of precision agriculture. More than a facility, it is a collaborative ecosystem where farmers, researchers, and startups come together to co-create sustainable and scalable agri-solutions for the future. After all, technology is truly meaningful only when it stays rooted in the ground it seeks to uplift." The hub will feature installation of advanced data analytics platforms for real-time monitoring and decision-making. In addition, IIT Ropar will provide technical expertise and guidance through its domain experts in IoT, AI, and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) to support implementation and ongoing monitoring. The initiative includes comprehensive training and knowledge transfer via workshops and sessions for all stakeholders—ensuring effective adoption and capacity building. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras and FPOs associated with the agricultural university will also be roped in for providing the training to the farmers and rural youths. Agriculture Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Surya Pratap Shahi commended the partnership between IIT Ropar and SVPUAT as a key move to modernize farming, boost productivity, and build climate resilience. A key milestone was the MoU signing between IIT Ropar and SVPUAT, laying the foundation for joint efforts in research, technology development, and field deployment. In his remarks, Director, IIT Ropar, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja spoke about ANNAM.AI and iHub-AWaDH as national platforms driving deep-tech solutions for Indian agriculture. Prof. K.K. Singh, Vice Chancellor, SVPUAT, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to farmer-centric innovation and community engagement. Project Director of ANNAM.AI, Dr. Pushpendra P. Singh outlined the Hub’s vision—smart farm tools, CPS labs, training, and startup support. The Agri-tech Innovation Hub represents a new chapter in India's rural development story — one where technology is rooted in real farmer needs, and where innovation is not confined to labs but reaches every acre of cultivable land. It reflects a collective resolve to ensure that Indian agriculture not only feeds the nation butalso sustains and empowers the millions who depend on it. The event also featured tech showcases, farmer- centric initiatives, and announcements of upcoming startup and skilling programs—signaling a bold step toward a future-ready agricultural ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh. *** Manish Gautam/Shahbaz Hasibi (Release ID: 2143190)