Need to adopt advanced tech to optimise agri operations: PK Mishra

States should adopt sustainable agricultural practices for long-term productivity and environmental health including strategies such as soil testing, conservation tillage and adopt advanced technologies like remote sensing, GPS, drones, and AI to optimise agricultural operations, PK Mishra, principal secretary to the Prime Minister, said.

Addressing the foundation day of Agro-Economic Research Centre at Sardar Patel University in Gujarat on Wednesday, Dr Mishra encouraged the use of renewable energy and bioenergy production from agricultural residues and called for climate smart practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Highlighting the transformation of agriculture in Gujarat during the last 25 years as a model of innovation, resilience and growth, Mishra said Gujarat has set an example for other states in India, developing from a subsistence-based economy to a diversified and market-oriented agricultural sector. He stressed the necessity of investing in agricultural research, particularly in developing climate-resilient crops, efficient water use, and innovative fertilizers.

Mishra said Gujarat's agriculture and allied sector has grown at 9.7% compared to 5.7% average CAGR in India, primarily driven by allied sectors, suggesting other states could adopt similar practices for higher growth. "Gujarat has seen significant changes in land use, crop patterns, irrigation methods, technology adoption, market dynamics and rural socio-economic structures," he said.