Recently, Indian Agtech startup, BharatRohan has entered into a partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
This collaboration is primarily focused on transforming agricultural methods in Telangana and Haryana, two states poised to promote sustainable crops, and is part of the “Regional Inclusive Business Models in Agriculture and Food Systems” initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
In conversation with Geospatial World, Amandeep Panwar, Co-founder & Director, BharatRohan speaks about the recent partnership, and how technology and actionable information can strengthen Indian rural communities.
“Our mission is to empower smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agriculture in Telangana and Haryana. We’re leveraging advanced hyperspectral technology to provide farmers with precise insights, reducing costs, and ensuring top-quality, residue-free yields. Our dedication to inclusivity extends to gender-inclusive practices, actively involving female farmers in value-chain activities to create additional income opportunities. This partnership is not just about innovation; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of farmers and fostering a sustainable future for agriculture,” he adds.
Why did you choose Telangana and Haryana?
Telangana and Haryana were strategically chosen for their inherent strength in agriculture, with a focus on growing turmeric, cotton, and chili. The unique agricultural characteristics of these states align perfectly with the partnership’s goals.
Furthermore, a significant commitment of this project is to involve women farmers in value chain activities actively. This ensures their active participation in the production process and promotes gender-inclusive agricultural practices.
BharatRohan has also demonstrated its commitment towards inclusive business by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Endeva and Ecociate to receive coaching services as part of the ESCAP-supported inclusive business program.
How UAVs equipped with hyperspectral cameras are changing the way farmers manage their crops?
UAVs with hyperspectral cameras are revolutionizing crop management by providing precise data on crop health. They detect subtle colour changes in plants, offering early pest and disease warnings. This replaces guesswork with scientific precision, enabling proactive measures and enhancing crop yields.
What is the role of big data analytics and drones in precision agriculture?
Big data analytics in agriculture processes vast amounts of data from various sources, including UAV imagery. It helps farmers and corporate partners make informed decisions, optimizing resource allocation, crop planning, and investment strategies, ultimately maximizing returns on agricultural investments.
Drones are instrumental in precision agriculture by capturing hyperspectral imagery. They fly over fields, collecting data on crop health and stress levels. This imagery, analyzed with advanced algorithms, provides insights into nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, and more. It guides precise interventions, improving crop management and yields.
How BharatRohan’s initiative fosters collaboration and helps bridge urban-rural divide?
BharatRohan’s initiative fosters collaboration by connecting farmers, agronomists, corporates, large scale buyers and other stakeholders across the agriculture value chain through data-driven insights. It streamlines the agricultural value chain by offering services like CropAssure, SourceAssure, and SeedAssure, which provide actionable information to enhance crop productivity, reduce losses, and ensure profitability, benefiting all involved.
Precision Agriculture strengthens rural communities by increasing farm productivity and income. It offers rural farmers access to advanced technology and knowledge, improving their livelihoods. This helps bridge the urban-rural divide by reducing dependency on urban centers, promoting sustainable rural development, and ensuring food security.
