The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has entered into a significant partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare for Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources). This initiative focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the agricultural extension system through digitalisation.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Key Features of the Collaboration
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and IIT Madras to improve the VISTAAR platform. This collaboration will integrate information about start-ups in the agriculture and allied sectors, allowing farmers and other stakeholders to easily access the capabilities and offerings of these start-ups.
Role of Start-ups in Agriculture
Prof. Thillai Rajan A., Head of the Centre for Research on Start-ups at IIT Madras, highlighted the importance of start-ups in driving innovation across the agriculture value chain. He emphasized that a strong agriculture sector is essential to India’s social and economic well-being, and start-ups play a critical role in fostering innovation.
Information Platform and Start-up Integration
The Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing at IIT Madras, in collaboration with its incubatee start-up YNOS Venture Engine, has developed a platform containing details of over 12,000 start-ups in the agriculture and farming sectors. This information will now be easily accessible to farmers, significantly improving the effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare’s extension services.
Digitalisation of Agricultural Extension System
The digitalisation of the agricultural extension system aims to expand its outreach, providing every farmer with access to high-quality advisory services. These services will cover various areas, including crop production, marketing, value addition, and supply chain management. Additionally, the platform will provide comprehensive information on government schemes related to agriculture, allied sectors, and rural development.
Timely and Contextual Information for Farmers
Through digitalisation, farmers will receive timely, contextual, and accurate information, enhancing the current extension system and providing better support for agriculture and allied fields.
Contribution of Agri-Startups to Sustainability
Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension) at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the role of innovative technologies developed by agri-startups in making agriculture more sustainable and climate-resilient. He noted that connecting these technologies with farmers through extension services is crucial for ensuring their adoption and success.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the main objective of Project VISTAAR?
A) To increase the number of start-ups in agriculture
B) To enhance the efficiency of agricultural extension services through digitalisation
C) To provide subsidies to farmers
D) To promote organic farming
Answer: B) To enhance the efficiency of agricultural extension services through digitalisation
2. Which IIT department is leading the development of the start-up information platform for agriculture?
A) Department of Electrical Engineering
B) Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing
C) Department of Civil Engineering
D) Department of Computer Science
Answer: B) Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing
3. How many start-ups in the agriculture and farming sectors are included in the IIT Madras platform?
A) 5,000
B) 10,000
C) 12,000
D) 15,000
Answer: C) 12,000
4. What is the expected outcome of digitalising the agricultural extension system?
A) Farmers will receive subsidies
B) Farmers will get access to high-quality advisory services
C) More start-ups will be established
D) There will be a reduction in agricultural exports
Answer: B) Farmers will get access to high-quality advisory services
5. What role do agri-startups play in the agricultural sector, according to Samuel Praveen Kumar?
A) They increase government funding for agriculture
B) They make agriculture more sustainable and climate-resilient
C) They provide loans to farmers
D) They focus only on marketing agricultural products
Answer: B) They make agriculture more sustainable and climate-resilient