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Agrotech, Digital Technologies, E-commerce, IT, Opinions, R&D, Start ups

 By Dr Prashant Khande, COO, FASAL Centre of Entrepreneurship, Software Technology Parks of India

Despite the enormous potential of the agritech industry, issues like lack of knowledge, fragmented land ownership, and digital literacy still exist. But thanks to initiatives and rising smartphone adoption, startups are getting beyond these obstacles to spur innovation and growth. By 2025, Indian agritech companies will have resolved current agricultural problems and established a standard for the global agritech industry. 

The agritech sector in India is experiencing a dynamic transformation, driven by technological advancements, innovative business models, and supportive government policies. As one of the world’s largest agrarian economies, India has become a hotbed for agritech startups, leveraging technology to address critical challenges in agriculture. We as STPI FASAL CoE are working very aggressively on agriculture technologies startups to shape their organisation and the future of agriculture in India.  

If we talk about the current status of agritech startups in India, then we can say thatIndia hosts over 1,500 agritech startups, a number that has been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 25 per cent over the last five years.Startups are addressing critical challenges like productivity, market access, and supply chain inefficiencies.Significant funding inflows, with over $2 billion invested in agritech in the past three years, indicate robust investor confidence.The adoption of digital tools, automation, and data analytics is rising among farmers, supported by government initiatives like Digital India. Here are the latest trends shaping the Indian agritech landscape in 2025;

AI and Data-Driven Farming: Agritech startups are increasingly using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Big Data to optimise farming practices. From predictive analytics for weather forecasting to disease detection in crops and livestock, AI-powered solutions are empowering farmers with actionable insights to improve yields and reduce losses. Our Amravati-based (Tier-III City) startup is working on disease detection in crops and getting good responses through various showcase events. 

IoT-Enabled Smart Agriculture: The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising precision agriculture in India. Startups are deploying IoT-based devices such as soil sensors, water management systems, and climate monitoring tools to enable data-driven decision-making. These technologies help in resource optimisation, reducing costs, and enhancing sustainability.

Drone Technology: Drones have gained widespread adoption for tasks such as crop monitoring, aerial mapping, pesticide spraying, and yield estimation. With advancements in drone regulations and affordability, agritech startups are leveraging drones to provide cost-effective solutions to farmers.

Sustainable and Organic Farming Solutions: Sustainability is a significant focus in 2025, with startups promoting organic farming, vertical farming, and hydroponics. These methods address land scarcity, climate change, and the growing demand for chemical-free produce. Startups are also innovating in creating bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides. One of our startups is working on aeroponic technologies and building a small portable structure from which you can take your daily vegetables from your structure at your home. Hydroponic systems will soon be one of the alternatives for organic farming. 

Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency: Blockchain technology is being utilised to bring transparency to the agricultural supply chain. Agritech startups are creating platforms where farmers, traders, and consumers can trace the journey of produce from farm to fork, ensuring authenticity and fair pricing. Two of our startups are working on this and are coming up with proper solutions in 2025 in India. 

Market Linkages and Digital Platforms: E-commerce platforms tailored for farmers are on the rise. These platforms connect farmers directly with buyers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring better price realisation. Many startups are also providing real-time market intelligence and advisory services via mobile apps.

Agri-Fintech: Fintech solutions tailored for agriculture are addressing the financial needs of farmers. Startups are offering micro-loans, crop insurance, and investment platforms based on farmer credit scores and crop data, making financial services more accessible to the rural population.

Agri-Biotech Innovations: Biotechnology is being leveraged to develop high-yielding crop varieties, genetically modified seeds, and pest-resistant crops. Startups are focusing on innovation to tackle issues such as water scarcity, soil degradation, and climate change.

Focus on Agri-Mechanisation: Automation is playing a key role in reducing labour dependency. Agritech startups are developing affordable farm machinery, such as robotic harvesters and automated planters, to cater to small and marginal farmers. Electric Bull is one of the innovations that is developed by our startups and getting good responses across the nation. 

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

 By Dr Prashant Khande, COO, FASAL Centre

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, India, Opinions

 By Harshvardhan Bhagchandka, President, IPL Biologicals

When it comes to the use of biological solutions, the Asia Pacific region might be considered the world leader, with its developing countries leading the charge. Food security, environmental problems, and climate change can all be addressed by governments, farmers, and consumers using biological solutions. By concentrating on these elements, the area is also setting global standards for sustainable farming practices, in addition to new technologies and rising demand for organic products.

The global agriculture sector is about to enter a new era. The increase in water crises, soil degradation, and pesticide pollution is alarming. Nonetheless, solutions to these issues exist. The international markets for soil health products are developing at a significant pace, with biofertilisers, biopesticides, and biostimulants gaining substantial traction. These revolutionary products utilise the natural capabilities of bacteria, fungi, and plants, significantly reducing the use of synthetic products. Unlike traditional chemicals, biologicals work with nature for sustainable farming practices while preserving the environment.

Purchasing and marketing of biological products are proliferating in the Asia Pacific region compared to Western countries, driven by high agricultural output and climatic diversity. Faced with the issues of climate change, a food crisis, and the growth of organic product consumption, the Asia Pacific region is revolutionising the agricultural space by moving away from chemicals. India, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia are not just early adopters of these innovations. These countries are becoming leaders in production and export, making the Asia Pacific the hub of agricultural biotechnology.

Driving Factors of Growth 

Biological solutions are growing rapidly across the Asia Pacific for several reasons that include the large agricultural base, increasing calls for adopting sustainable practices, government initiatives, and the private sector’s support. The impetus for this growth is the developing understanding that, over time, traditional agricultural practices—which are effective in the short run—become increasingly unsustainable due to their negative impacts on the environment.

Wide Agricultural Space with a Craving for Eco-Friendliness

China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam are important agricultural giants in the Asia Pacific region, and agriculture is one of the key factors that determine the economic prospects of this region. Countless small-scale farmers employ subsistence agriculture in a bid to satisfy the food requirements of the population. However, these time-honoured farming techniques have their drawbacks, including but not limited to deterioration of soil, overuse of surface and groundwater resources, and reliance on chemically-enhanced fertilisers and pesticides.

Biological approaches provide an integrated and effective alternative to these challenges while improving the output of agricultural processes. For example, bio-fertilisers are capable of restoring essential microbes and nutrients to the soil, thus making it healthier and more productive. Natural organisms are the sources of biopesticides, which are naturally-based pesticides and do not create broad-spectrum damage, such as the detrimental effects associated with mass sprays of chemical pesticides, which kill off beneficial and pollinating insects. The sustainability issues surrounding conventional methods should, however, be reduced over time as these biological methods become more readily accepted by farmers.

Government Support and Policy Initiatives

Governments in the Asia Pacific region are playing their essential roles in supporting the adoption of biological techniques to encourage sustainable agricultural development. In India, for example, the government has many initiatives to promote organic farming and bio-based products. The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), initiates incorporating bio-fertilisers and biopesticides into agricultural practices within the larger context of improving soil health and decreasing the use of chemical fertilisers.

The Chinese government’s endeavours in biological research and development are notable; legal measures targeting the reduction of pesticide usage have also been adopted. Other key objectives of China regarding sustainability include the implementation of the “Zero Growth in Pesticide Use by 2030” policy, which aims to reduce pesticide usage by 30 per cent by the year 2030. Likewise, countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines are racing to develop policies that allow for the application of organic fertilisers and biocontrol agents, driven by increasing threats to food security and soil quality.

Government policies such as these go a long way in enhancing farmers’ acceptance of biological solutions. By subsidising bio-based products, organising educational campaigns on green farming methods, and promoting agricultural biotechnology research, governments are making the transition to sustainable agricultural practices easier and more effective.

The Process of Tech Development

There has been an increased uptake of biological solutions as other regions of the German Centre for Biotechnology have emerged in recent years. Collaborative projects for the development and commercialisation of biological products involving universities, research institutions, and industry have also increased. The biotechnology sector has contributed to creating new biological solutions that are effective, cost-efficient, and accessible to farmers. Furthermore, knowledge transfer through extension services and training programmes helps farmers understand how the latest research can be applied.

Australian researchers are at the forefront of a groundbreaking revolution in biocontrol and biostimulant technologies. Their pioneering work is transforming sustainable agriculture as we know it. According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), biostimulants work as game-changing substances or microorganisms that are able to boost the natural processes of crops, enhancing their growth as well as resilience towards stress. Humic substances, seaweed extracts, and amino acids—these are just a few of the incredible biostimulants that are reshaping the future of farming.

Moreover, biocontrol agents include Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus thuringiensis, which have been intensively explored for their efficacy in controlling pests and diseases in an eco-friendly manner, without the use of chemical pesticides. These development efforts have not only assisted agriculture in Australia but have also impacted adjacent regions such as Southeast Asia and China, where these technologies are spreading fast.

The interplay of knowledge between developed countries and emerging countries has aided the adoption of biological solutions globally. Emerging countries such as India and Vietnam have integrated biostimulant and biocontrol technologies in their agricultural systems with the support of researchers focusing on crop production systems that are environmentally sustainable. As per recent reports, the incorporation of biostimulants, which include Ascophyllum nodosum (seaweed extract) and Bacillus subtilis (microbial agent), has improved the yield of crops with lesser strain on the ecosystem.

In addition, the studies of the synergism between biostimulants and biocontrol agents are also enabling the movement towards low-input and more environmentally friendly farming practices across the globe. The academic community continues to investigate the biochemical mechanisms behind these bio-based solutions, as evidenced by studies published in journals like FEMS Microbiology Letters. These advances aim not only at plant health but also aid the modernisation of agriculture as the world strives to achieve more eco-friendly farming practices. The joint efforts of the developed and emerging economies have made it easier for the farmers in India and Vietnam to adapt to these changes.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

 By Harshvardhan Bhagchandka, President, IPL BiologicalsWhen it

Acquaculture, Agribusiness, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Live Stock

The country’s total fish production (inland and marine) increased from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013–14 to 175.45 lakh tonnes in FY 2022–23. By March 2025, the country hopes to have increased its total fish production to 220 lakh tonnes.

The Indian economy depends heavily on the fishing industry. In addition to creating jobs, it supports exports, national income, and food and nutritional security. About 30 million people in India depend on the fishing industry, known as the “Sunrise Sector,” to support their livelihoods, especially those of the weaker and marginalized populations. The Indian government has implemented a number of measures to improve fisheries productivity and production. As a result, the country’s total fish production (inland and marine) increased from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013–14 to 175.45 lakh tonnes in FY 2022–23. By March 2025, the country hopes to have increased its total fish production to 220 lakh tonnes.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs 20,050 crore, has witnessed remarkable progress in boosting fish production, infrastructure development, and employment generation in the country. The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has set an ambitious target of boosting seafood exports to Rs 1 lakh crore by 2029 against current export value worth Rs 60,000 crore in the previous fiscal year. The country therefore not only contributes significantly to both domestic and global food baskets but also supports the livelihoods of around 30 million people in rural India in the capacity of the 3rd largest fish producer, 2nd largest aquaculture nation in the world after China and the largest producer of shrimp. 

A study by Global Seafood Alliance mentions that despite being the third largest fish-producing nation in the world, India is positioned 129th among 183 countries in terms of per capita fish food supply. The study further projects the fish consumption patterns in India to double and reach 26.50 million metric tonnes (MT) between 2047 and 2048, with annual per capita fish consumption expected to reach 16.07 kg.

Indian fisheries have experienced an enormous transformation in recent years, transitioning from being primarily a maritime industry to an inland fisheries-driven sector, thereby contributing around 70 per cent of the country’s total fish production. Inland fisheries therefore account for substantially more of the country’s total fish production. Also, the shift from capture to culture fisheries has contributed significantly towards the rise of a sustainable blue economy.

The nation’s vast network of tanks and ponds, covering approximately 2.36 million hectares, is a major driving factor towards the promotion of culture-based fishery. The government is pooling in investments to revive rearing and grow-out pond areas, diversification of species and adoption of sustainable aquaculture practices. The PMMSY has thus sanctioned numerous projects, to further boost the production of fish and improve productivity from 3 tonne per hectare to 5 tonne per hectare. Recently, brackish and saline aquaculture has also witnessed significant growth, particularly in shrimp farming, which drives India’s seafood export earnings.

According to government reports, despite having 1.42 million hectares of saline area, only 13 per cent is currently utilised. States like Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, with high soil salinity, have been targeted to promote saline water aquaculture in the country. Besides brackish aquaculture, cold water fisheries, particularly in the Himalayan states, offer another promising avenue for revenue generation. Cold water fisheries are gaining traction in terms of generating significant employment opportunities and contributing to niche markets, particularly for omega-rich trout, which is considered a high-value product across the Himalayan region.

As a way forward towards driving growth and resilience in the fisheries sector, the Department of Fisheries received a historic allocation of Rs 2,584.50 crore for FY 2024-25, to enable the implementation of the PMMSY, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and other developmental schemes aimed at promoting sustainable and responsible fisheries practices.

Since 2015, the Government of India has allocated a sum of Rs 38,572 crore to the fisheries sector through the Blue Revolution Scheme, FIDF, PMMSY and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY). These initiatives, led by the Department of Fisheries, have propelled growth in the fisheries sector, thereby uplifting the livelihoods of fishermen and marginalised communities, including the tribal population. In this growth, small-scale fisheries are expected to contribute significantly towards food security and nutrition, generating income, and supporting livelihoods, across rural and coastal economies of India.

India exports frozen shrimps, fish, cuttlefish, squids, dried items, and live and chilled items out of which frozen shrimp is the largest exported marine product contributing to more than 40 per cent of the total exports and about 66.12 per cent of the total export value. During 2023-24, frozen fish, cuttlefish, and squid accounted for 21.42 per cent, 3.05 per cent, and 5.25 per cent of the total export value of marine products, respectively. According to IBEF, marine exports from India are expected to reach $14 billion by 2025. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is playing a pivotal role towards framing this roadmap to achieve this target, which constitutes necessary steps to enhance production and promote seafood.

To read more click on:https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

The country's total fish production (inland and

Agribusiness, Dairy, India, Industry Reports / Analysis

 India is anticipated to reach significant milestones in 2025 in floriculture, horticulture, fisheries, poultry, and dairy through the effective application of biological solutions and advanced agricultural technologies.

 Agriculture, one of the oldest industries in human history, is experiencing a transformation that is both swift and essential. Encountering issues such as climate change, limited resources, and the increasing needs of a burgeoning global population, the industry is adopting creative approaches to ensure its future. Agriculture is a constantly evolving sector that offers significant potential for expansion. The shift towards sustainability and the incorporation of technology is generating numerous new opportunities for innovation. In 2025, the agricultural sector presents numerous opportunities for innovation, expansion, and profit-making. The future of agriculture is promising and diverse, featuring a range of solutions from tech-driven innovations to sustainable farming practices. The agriculture sector in India is expected to gain further momentum in the next few years due to increased investment in agricultural infrastructure such as irrigation facilities, warehousing, and cold storage. Furthermore, the growing use of technology will help the sector and farmers to improve the yield and overall crop production. Thanks to government initiatives and assistance, India is anticipated to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and edible oil seeds in the next few years. Moreover, the nation is anticipated to reach significant milestones in 2025 in floriculture, horticulture, fisheries, poultry, and dairy through the effective application of biological solutions and advanced agricultural technologies. In the following pages, we have included articles from specialists and industry authorities discussing various agricultural sectors and their anticipated status in 2025.

Dairy remains committed to sustainability and environmental consciousness  

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture in New Delhi projects that India’s overall milk production will reach 216.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2025. This increase is linked to a larger herd of milking animals, enhanced governmental backing for the dairy industry, the anticipated persistence of favourable weather, elevated milk prices, and no significant disease outbreaks. The anticipated increase in milk supply is projected to enhance the production of butter and non-fat dry milk (skim milk powder (SMP)), with these products expected to achieve 7.2 MMT and 0.8 MMT, respectively. Demand-driven elements such as an increasing population, higher disposable income, and various physical factors are propelling the domestic consumption of fluid milk, butter, and SMP, anticipated to hit 91 MMT, 7.1 MMT, and 0.8 MMT, respectively.

Custom Markets Insights forecasts that Indian Dairy Market (valued at $131.5 billion in 2024) is expected to reach $290.8 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 8.01 per cent during 2024 – 2033. Further Crisil anticipates a revenue boost of 13-14 per cent for FY 2024-25, fuelled by strong consumer demand and better raw milk supply. Dairy plays a pivotal role in supporting the Indian economy by ensuring nutritional security, addressing challenges of hunger and malnutrition in the country and generating employment opportunities.

It is quite interesting to note, that, while global milk production is growing at a steady rate of 2 per cent, India showcases growth in milk production by an impressive rate of 6 per cent.

The sector alone contributes 5 per cent to the national economy, directly employing around 80 million farmers, the majority of whom are women. As the nation marches towards becoming the third largest economy in the world, the contribution of the dairy sector is expected to be huge. During FY 2023-24, the country exported 63,738.47 metric tonnes (MT) of dairy products worth $272.64 million, with major export destinations being the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, USA, Singapore, and Bhutan.

Currently, the dairy sector holds immense potential in terms of investments across Bulk Milk Coolers (BMCs), immersion coolers, advanced milk testing kits as well as technologies like Blockchain technology, RFID tags, IoT and sensor-enabled vehicles and packing systems.

Speaking on shaping dairy’s next big trends, Vamseedhar Reddy K.C., Senior Vice President – Supply Chain & Procurement, Sid’s Farm mentioned,” As we approach 2025, the dairy industry is undergoing significant transformation, shaped by advancements in technology, sustainability, and the growing need for collaboration. The adoption of precision farming, AI-powered analytics, and sustainable practices is set to redefine how dairy products are produced and consumed. These changes are not just about efficiency—they are about creating value across the supply chain, from farmers to consumers.

In fact, from the consumer’s point of view, the packaged fresh milk and Indian skimmed milk powder (SMP) category is expected to grow 3.4 per cent and 13 per cent CAGR respectively from 2021-26. The segment of value-added dairy products can emerge as a lucrative investment zone, with prospects of emerging markets worth $4.2 billion for butter and spreads, promising CAGR growth of 8 per cent.

Government Initiatives

To continue to support the dairy sector, the government had announced an allocation of Rs 15,000 crore for the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), which was approved by the Union Cabinet on June 24, 2020 under the Atmanirbharbharat Abhiyaan stimulus package for ensuring growth in several sectors. Besides, the government announced  Rs 1790 crore for National Programme for Dairy Development, Rs 2400 crore for Rashtriya Gokul Mission and Rs 4600 crore for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana. Further, the continuation of the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) was approved by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying under Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) with an outlay of Rs 29,610.25 crore during 2025-26. The schemes are intended towards boosting milk and meat processing capabilities as well as enhancing farmers’ price realisation and encouraging exports in the dairy and livestock sector. In order to align the future of dairy with consumer choice, the government has formulated strategies to improve the quality of milk and dairy products while boosting involvement in organised procurement, processing, value addition, and marketing.

According to Invest India, PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana is expected to attract investment worth Rs 11,095.93 crore, benefiting 28,49,945 farmers and generating 5,44,432 employments across animal husbandry and dairying in the country by the year 2025-26. As of 2023, more than 29.87 lakh Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) were sanctioned for farmers enrolled under several schemes of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

 India is anticipated to reach significant milestones