Karnataka Govt & Hexagon to Upskill Farmers on Smart Agriculture
The Government of Karnataka (GoK), through its Department of Agriculture (KSDA), has decided to take an innovative step to implement multiple smart precision agriculture centres with Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence division in India.
This partnership will initiate cutting-edge technology, science and academic research to enable more sustainable agriculture through technology transfer program.
“This initiative by Hexagon is the right push that we need to start building a smarter agricultural industry in Karnataka,” said the honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai.
“Agriculture is the foundation of the economy of Karnataka. This will be a transformational initiative for the agriculture, farmers and agri-industries in the State,” added the honorable Agriculture Minister, Government of Karnataka, Mr. B.C. Patil.
“I am pleased that after a thorough evaluation, we found Hexagon to have a comprehensive solution suite that covers all aspects of the industry. We are happy to partner with Hexagon to establish modern agricultural practices across the State,” stated Rajkumar Khatri, Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture Department.
“Hexagon is always looking to work with every sector to make a smart, sustainable future. I am thrilled that we can contribute to this forward-thinking project with the Government of Karnataka and build Centers for Innovation & Development in Smart Agriculture (CIDSA),” said Sridhar Dharmarajan, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division in India. “The need of the hour is upskilling our talented resources, who are our future.”
The new programs include the development of custom courses in various agriculture and automation topics, hands-on field-level engagements covering soil, weather, and local farming methodologies, “Train the Trainer” programs, and approaches for maintaining effective industry and village cooperation.
Karnataka State Department of Agriculture (KSDA) has been working with Agricultural Universities and agencies to create a roadmap that will help develop the sector. KSDA and Hexagon intend to address the requirement for modern practices in agriculture with the Centres for Innovation & Development in Smart Agriculture (CIDSA).
The cost of implementing this project at seven centers under four agriculture universities strategically located across the state is IN₹ 770 crores, of which Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence India, along with affiliates and partners, is contributing and investing 85% of the cost, and KSDA the remainder.
The labs will focus on key modernization topics, including Smart Precision Agriculture, Automation in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Equipment Design & Manufacturing, Advanced Drone technology for Agriculture, Soil & Weather, Innovation & Incubation, among others.
