India’s first International Agri Hackathon concluded in Pune with a call to embrace technology as the future of farming. The closing ceremony saw the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister and Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare who underscored the critical role innovation and science must play in solving the agriculture sector’s most pressing challenges.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the urgency of addressing issues in agriculture stemming from climate change. “The only lasting solution lies in the use of modern technology. The innovations showcased here must be incubated and directly connected to the grassroots — our farmers,” he said. He asserted that widespread adoption of agri-tech can revolutionize farming practices and significantly boost productivity.
The Union Minister echoed the sentiment, commending Maharashtra’s remarkable contributions to the horticulture sector. “The record production of grapes, pomegranates, oranges, chickpeas, and vegetables speaks volumes about the commitment of the state’s farmers and government,” he said.
Major Announcements: ‘Clean Plant’ Program and Nursery Support
In a major initiative aimed at bolstering horticulture, Minister Chouhan announced the launch of the ‘Clean Plant’ Program to ensure the availability of disease-free, high-quality planting material to farmers. Of the nine Clean Plant projects being set up nationwide, three will be located in Maharashtra at an estimated cost of ₹300 crore:
- Pune: Grapes
- Nagpur: Oranges
- Solapur: Pomegranates
These centers will be complemented by the development of modern nurseries, for which financial support of ₹3 crore for large-scale and ₹1.5 crore for medium-sized nurseries will be provided. Collectively, these nurseries will produce and distribute over 8 crore disease-free seedlings annually.
The Union Minister emphasized the role of international collaboration, announcing that technological assistance from Israel and the Netherlands will be leveraged for the successful execution of these projects.
Lab to Land: Bridging the Science-Farmer Gap
The Minister introduced a transformative policy that will see 16,000 agricultural scientists deployed across India to work directly with farmers under the ‘Lab to Land’ initiative. “Research conducted in labs must not remain confined to academic journals. It must reach farmers and fields,” he said. This step, he noted, will empower farmers with advanced practices and help them improve productivity, manage pests, and adapt to climate change.
Youth and Agri-Entrepreneurship: A Call to Action
Shri Chouhan also took the opportunity to dispel the myth that young people are disinterested in agriculture. Urging the youth to consider agri-startups as a viable career, he said, “There is no future for a developed India without developed agriculture and prosperous farmers. Youth must lead the charge toward climate-resilient crops, mechanized farming, and new-age solutions.”
He reiterated the government’s resolve to make India the food bank of the world through increased exports after meeting domestic demands, with Maharashtra set to play a pivotal role.
Honoring Innovation: Awards for Agri-Innovators
The concluding session also recognized the brightest minds and ideas in the agri-tech space. Awards were distributed to winners across multiple categories:
- Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
- Soil and Irrigation Management
- Farm Mechanization
- Post-Harvest Technologies and Residue Management
- Agri-Economics and Market Linkages
- And other innovative solutions that support sustainable agriculture
The Agri Hackathon served as a platform for startups, students, innovators, and farmers to showcase scalable technologies and disruptive ideas aimed at transforming Indian agriculture.
