Chemical free farming to boost exports, AgriTech to help digital ecosystem: Experts

While the promotion of chemical-free natural farming in India will likely help exports in the coming time, focus on start-ups and AgriTech in the budget will help develop a digital ecosystem and technology inclusion in the agri sector, said experts.

Usage of drones can increase agriculture GDP by 1-1.5%, experts said.

“Chemical free natural farming is a big announcement for exports as well as health of the nation,” said Rajat Wahi, partner, Deloitte India.


The focus on start-ups and AgriTech in the budget will be helpful for the development of a digital ecosystem and technology inclusion in the agri sector, said Ajay Kakra, Leader – Food and Agriculture, PwC India.

In her Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government will promote chemical-free natural farming throughout the country to boost sustainable agricultural productivity and income of the farmers.

The Budget also said that a fund raised under the co-investment model will be facilitated through NABARD to finance startups for agriculture and rural enterprise relevant for farm produce value chain.

The market size for just the drones is estimated to be around Rs 20-30,000 crore. Out of this, even if 10-15% is adopted in agriculture will have a huge impact on the agriculture sector, said Arun Nagarajan, Director- Tech consulting, EY.

“There a lot of small and medium companies as well as established original equipment manufacturers (OEMs),” Nagarajan added.