Salam Kisan, a leading agritech platform, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar to advance agritech innovation through the use of cutting-edge technologies. The partnership was announced at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 2024 in Dubai.

The MoU was signed by Akshay Khobragade, COO of Salam Kisan, and Mukesh Kestwal, CIO of IIT Ropar iHub – AWaDH, during the summit.

Leveraging tech

The collaboration aims to leverage technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cyber-physical systems to empower farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The MoU outlines key objectives, including the development and implementation of joint technology programmes, skilling and upskilling initiatives to improve farmers’ digital literacy and promoting sustainable agriculture.

The partnership will also focus on mentoring early-stage agritech start-ups by providing them with resources and guidance to scale their solutions. In addition, collaborative workshops and events will be held to encourage knowledge sharing within the agritech ecosystem. To ensure progress and impact, the initiatives under the MoU will be monitored through structured quarterly and annual reviews.

Addressing challenges

The association between Salam Kisan and IIT Ropar aims to address challenges in the agriculture sector, such as the slow adoption of advanced farming technologies, water management inefficiencies, and the lack of mentorship for agri-tech startups. The partnership is expected to empower farmers, improve productivity, and promote sustainable practices to enhance self-reliance in the farming community.

Akshay Khobragade, Chief Operating Officer of Salam Kisan, said, “This collaboration is a step towards achieving environmentally sustainable and profitable agriculture, ensuring quality food for all while preserving biodiversity. By joining forces with IIT Ropar, we are bridging the gap between technology and grassroots farming. It is another supporting initiative towards making these innovations accessible and practical for farmers.”

Dhanashree Mandhani, Founder and CEO Salam Kisan, said, “This partnership marks an important step toward shaping a more sustainable future for agriculture in India. IIT Ropar’s expertise in innovation and research adds great strength to this collaboration. Together, we aim to create practical and impactful solutions that support farmers, boost rural livelihoods and address key challenges in agriculture.”