Collaborative initiative between ICAR-IARI and SMSF to propel regenerative farming with cutting-edge technologies
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and the S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) have joined forces to launch a new project titled "Application of Advanced Technologies for Improved Productivity and Resource-use Efficiency in Regenerative Agriculture Production Systems." The project, officially launched on September 15, 2025, was rolled out at IARI's Agronomy Division research farm.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director and Vice-Chancellor of IARI, identified climate change and water scarcity as major threats to Indian agriculture. He emphasized the importance of soil carbon management and microirrigation systems, specifically sub-surface drip fertigation, for improving yields, conserving water and fertilizer, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. R. S. Paroda, President of TAAS and former Director General of ICAR, urged India to move away from intensive farming practices. He emphasized the urgent need for India to diversify from the rice-wheat system to more resource-efficient alternatives such as soybean-wheat or Arhar-wheat.
The project focuses on automation-enabled sub-surface drip fertigation and other precision tools to make farming more sustainable and climate-resilient. Jay Sehgal, Chairperson of SMSF, called for automation to reduce labour drudgery and improve productivity. He also stressed the importance of innovations in water management.
Anjal Makhija, Trustee and CEO of SMSF, highlighted the importance of empowering women farmers through technology. Project leader Dr. Anchal Dass stated that the initiative would use precision input management and sensor-based tools to promote regenerative practices.
Jay Sehgal also highlighted the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. Dr. S. S. Rathore, Head of Agronomy at IARI, emphasized the need for developing scalable, farmer-friendly solutions.
The collaboration aims at developing climate-resilient and resource-efficient agricultural systems for the future. While the specific partner organizations involved in the project, besides IARI and SMSF, are not explicitly listed, the project promises to bring about a significant shift in Indian agriculture towards a more sustainable and efficient future.
