Three-year initiative to strengthen climate resilience and boost productivity in Karnataka and Telangana
In a major push toward technology-driven agriculture, the SBI Foundation, in partnership with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), has launched the SMART-CROP project—a three-year initiative designed to empower over 8,000 smallholder farmers across Karnataka and Telangana.
Backed by the SBI Foundation’s LEAP (Livelihood and Enterprise Advancement Programme), the project—Sustainable Monitoring and Real-time Tracking for Crop Resilience and Optimal Practices (SMART-CROP)—will leverage satellite imaging, remote sensing, and AI/ML analytics to monitor real-time crop stress and help farmers take timely action.
Harnessing Technology for Climate-Resilient Farming
The SMART-CROP project aims to revolutionize how small farmers respond to threats like climate change, pest infestations, and soil degradation. By providing actionable insights through data-driven tools, it will enable farmers to make faster, better-informed decisions—reducing crop losses and enhancing overall productivity.
“SBI Foundation is proud to drive this initiative that equips farmers with technology-led solutions to enhance crop resilience, reduce risk, and promote climate-smart practices,” said Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director, SBI Foundation.
Collaboration for Sustainable Growth
The project is a collaborative effort involving the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Raichur, ICRISAT, and Agribridge, bringing together expertise in research, field outreach, and digital agriculture.
At the launch event, Ms. Divya Devarajan, IAS, and CEO of the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), highlighted the project’s significance in accelerating farmer-centric innovation. “Empowering farmers with such tools can redefine rural development and ensure that technology benefits even the smallest cultivator,” she remarked.
Reducing Risks, Saving Losses
ICRISAT Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak emphasized that SMART-CROP could have a far-reaching economic impact. “This project will not only minimize risks at the farm level but could also save billions of dollars in food losses through early detection and intervention,” he noted.
Beyond the Field: Measuring Impact
Apart from its technological interventions, SMART-CROP will also conduct socio-economic studies to measure yield improvements, analyze the impact of early warning systems, and assess the broader agroecological benefits of climate-smart practices.
By integrating scientific research, digital tools, and local partnerships, the SMART-CROP project represents a major step toward sustainable agriculture—one that aims to future-proof India’s farming communities against the challenges of a changing climate.
%20(2).png)
0 Comments