AI in Agriculture to Boost Jobs, Not Cut Them: Kerala Summit Highlights
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in the agricultural sector will increase employment opportunities, contrary to widespread perceptions, as highlighted at the AgriNext Summit held in Kochi on Friday. The event, themed "Technology to the Fields, Transformation to the Harvest," brought together key stakeholders to discuss the transformative role of technology in farming.
Summit Details and Key Partnerships
The AgriNext Summit was jointly organized by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), the agriculture department, and the World Bank as part of the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization (KERA) project. A significant outcome of the summit was the signing of approximately 50 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with farmers and startups, aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in the agricultural sector.
Leadership Insights on Technology Integration
Inaugurating the summit at the KSUM campus in Kalamassery, Principal Secretary B Ashok emphasized that integrating technology into agriculture will attract more investment and support the cultivation of diverse crops. He stressed the importance of recognizing the benefits that technology brings to farmers, urging them to prepare for this transition.
Ashok noted: "Currently, robotics, drones, and IoT technologies are extensively used in the plantation sector and large-scale agriculture. However, there is a pressing need for technologies that cater to small farmers as well." He highlighted that the KERA project has a budget of Rs 100 crore for drip irrigation systems and anticipated that advancements in AI from other sectors will soon extend to agriculture.
Addressing Employment Concerns
State IT Special Secretary Seeram Sambasiva Rao stated that the summit aims to find practical solutions to agricultural problems through technology. KSUM CEO Anoop Ambika, who presented a resolution at the event, pointed out that despite concerns about job losses in other sectors due to AI, employment opportunities in agriculture are set to increase significantly.
Ambika explained: "While AI may disrupt some industries, in agriculture, it will create new roles and enhance productivity, leading to more jobs rather than fewer."
Event Impact and Participation
The summit attracted around 1,000 farmers and over 256 selected agri-startups, seeking to bridge the gap between lab-based innovation and real-world farming. By taking advanced technologies directly to farmers, the event offered a comprehensive look at how technology is reshaping agriculture, from precision farming to sustainable practices.
Future Outlook
The discussions at the AgriNext Summit underscored a positive outlook for AI in agriculture, with a focus on inclusivity for small-scale farmers. As technology continues to evolve, stakeholders are optimistic about its potential to drive growth, improve resilience, and create new employment avenues in the sector.
