Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu leads the nation in the Agristack initiative, with more than 80% of land parcels registered during the rabi season of 2024, said R Selvam, executive director, Council for Leather Exports, Chennai, at the 45th convocation of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) here on Tuesday.
The event was presided over by governor R N Ravi, while TNAU vice-chancellor V Geethalakshmi presented the academic report. At least 1,263 graduate students, 225 postgraduate students and 48 PhD holders received their degrees from the governor.
Addressing the graduates, Selvam highlighted the transformative changes in India's agricultural sector. "It is poised for a revolutionary shift. Through initiatives like the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, we aim to uplift 100 low-productivity districts and help 17 million farmers."
Selvam noted that digital transformation was reshaping agriculture through the Agristack initiative, which creates a digital backbone using farmers' registries, geo-referenced village maps and digital crop surveys. "Tamil Nadu is at the forefront of this effort, with more than 80% of land parcels registered during the 2024 rabi season."
According to him, market linkages through e-NAM platform empower nearly two crore farmers and more than 2.5 lakh traders. "The rise of nearly 2,800 agri startups recognised by Startup India showcases the innovative potential of the young generation."
Selvam also emphasised on the challenges ahead. "By 2050, global food demand will surge by 70% to feed 10 billion people, with a tenth of humanity still facing hunger. Issues like artificial intelligence integration, climate challenges, soil degradation, diminishing returns, technology fatigue, pest outbreaks and socioeconomic disparities remain significant. The challenges are immense, but so is potential."