ANeed-based research is essential: Gadkari

 

 

Business Reporter

 

 

There are many ideas and technologies that can be developed through research. However, what the country needs is need-based research, suitable technology, availability of raw materials, and market-oriented products that are economically viable, said Agrovision promoter and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday. On the second day of the ‘Agrovision’ National Agricultural Exhibition, which started on Friday at PDKV Ground, Dabha, a workshop on ‘Use of Information Technology in Agriculture’ was organised in collaboration with the Software Technology Park of India (STPI), Nagpur. Gadkari was expressing his views at the seminar. Dr Surendra Kalbande, Principal of the College of Agricultural Engineering, Prof. Dr Suchita Gupta, Head of the Department of Farm Structure at Punjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University, Prof. Sachin Purnale, Additional Director at STPI Pune, Sanjay Darne, Additional Director at STPI Nagpur, Prof. Prashant Khande, CEO of Fasal, Dhananjay Zinge, Founder of DigiCrop, and Tukaram Sonawane, Founder of Krushigati, were also present. Madhya Pradesh Food Processing Minister Narayan Singh

 

 

Kushwaha and Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department Anupam Ranjan also attended the programme. Milind Kapje felicitated the guests. Dr Surendra Kalbande shared information about the three incubation centers at PDKV, which offer labs, polyhouses, research, and mentorship to startups focused on vertical farming. Sachin Purnale discussed how IT and IT services can be used in agriculture to increase productivity, while Sanjay Darne and Dr Prashant Khande shared details about the work of STPI centers in Nagpur and Pune. Dhananjay Zinge talked about his startup DigiCrop, which connects farmers and consumers, while Tukaram Sonawane shared the story behind his startup, Krushigati. Mohan Rao introduced the session, and Amit Kuril moderated it.