Tech-fuelled solutions make smart farming possible: Minister

Bengaluru: Over the past two years, Karnataka’s agriculture sector has undergone significant changes with the introduction of new schemes and technology-driven initiatives.

“We have made considerable progress by launching several farmer-friendly programmes and encouraging technology-integrated farming,” said Agriculture Minister N Chaluvaraya Swamy, in an exclusive interview with News Trail.

The ministry has prioritised educating farmers to adopt modern methods and digital tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability. Farmers have also been trained to adapt to unpredictable weather conditions and adopt weather based agricultural practices, he said.

Tech support for farmers

Swamy highlighted the launch of the E-SAP (Electronic Solution against Agricultural Pests) app, developed by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur. The app allows farmers to upload pictures of diseased crops and receive instant remedies.

“The picture is uploaded by the farmer, and if the case is complex, the query is escalated to experts for immediate solutions,” he explained. Designed to identify pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, the app provides accurate and timely advice to farmers across the state.

Financial aid & guarantees

The minister also underlined the government’s efforts in modernising labs and experimenting with artificial intelligence to improve farming practices. Alongside technological upgrades, the state’s five key guarantees, support prices for crops, strengthening Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs), promoting natural farming, crop loan benefits, and irrigation development, are aimed at reducing costs, ensuring fair prices, and improving farmers’ long-term income security.

On the front of farm mechanisation, Swamy said subsidies have been a game-changer. “If a machine costs Rs 1 crore, we provide around Rs 50 lakh as subsidy for SC/ST farm ers and Rs 40 lakh for others. This makes a significant difference compared to bearing the full cost,” he explained.

Commitment to farmer welfare

Emphasising farmer welfare, Swa my said the government’s primary goal is to put an end to farmer sui cides. “Our aim is to completely stop farmer deaths and ensure that ev ery farmer receives the necessary facilities and support,” he said. While the number of farmer deaths has seen a decline in Karnataka, Swamy reiterated the government’s resolve to bring it down to zero.