Welcome Address

Shri Indranil Roy, CEO, Outlook Group

Theme Address

Shri Harish Chavan, CEO, Swaraj

Special Address

Prof. Ram Badan Singh (Padma Bhushan)

Farming and Governance: Government policies & schemes

1. Dr. Swati Nayak, Scientist, CGIAR International Rice Research Institute; Norman E. Borlaug Awardee
2. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and DG, ICAR
3. Shri Anil Kumar, ADG Co-ordination, ICAR
4. Ms. Vasudha Mishra, Former Special Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
5. Shri Neeraj Thakur, Managing Editor, Outlook Business (Moderator)

Session Brief

1. Centered on agricultural governance and policies, this session would talk about the impact of governmental policies & schemes. Integral to discussions are food safety regulations and collaborative frameworks for holistic agricultural progress. The session can also touch upon innovative policy interventions tailored to emerging agricultural needs.

Topic

1. Government Policies and Schemes for Agriculture
2. Recommendations for Policy Improvement
3. Research and Policy Interventions for Agricultural Development
4. Food Safety Regulations and Quality Assurance
5. Collaborative Approaches for Agricultural Transformation

Talking Points

1. Recommendations for policy refinement and better implementation based on stakeholder feedback and research findings.
2. Importance of food safety regulations in ensuring quality and sustainability in the agricultural value chain.
3. Collaborative efforts between government, research institutions, and NGOs for holistic agricultural development.
4. Need for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge-sharing to tackle emerging issues in agriculture.

Tech for Transformation : Embracing disruptive technologies to transform the farm sector

1. Shri Mohit Pande, Chief Business Officer, Cropin
2. Shri Shyam Sundar Singh, Co-founder& Director, DeHaat
3. Shri Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, CEO, IG Drones
4. Shri Prem Kumar Vislawath, Founder, Marut Drones
5. Shri Mahesh Haul, GM Head Sales and Marketing, Dhaksha Drones
6. Smt. Suchetana Ray, Editor, Outlook Business and Chief Strategy Officer, Outlook Group (Moderator)

Session Brief

1. Exploring the fusion of technology and innovation in agriculture, this session will talk about how advancements bolster efficiency and productivity. From digital solutions streamlining operations to drone technology, modern farming has undergone a huge change. Sustainable practices, coupled with technology, champion environmental stewardship. Additionally, supply chain optimisation leveraging technology helps in reducing wastage and improving market accessibility for farmers.

Topic

1. Digital Agriculture and Data-driven Decision Making
2. Supply Chain Solutions for Agriculture
3. Digital Farm Management Platforms
4. Integrating Satellite Imaging and Drone Technology

Talking Points

1. Digital Agriculture and Data-driven Decision Making
2. Supply Chain Solutions for Agriculture
3. Implementation of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors for real-time monitoring of soil health and crop conditions.
4. Integration of satellite imaging and drone technology for accurate crop scouting and pest management.
5. Adoption of digital platforms for farm management and market access.

Precision Farming in Ornamental Horticulture& Allied Sector

1. Dr. S. K. Malhotra, President, Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture (ISOH), VC, MHU, Karnal (Moderator)
2. Dr. SS Sindhu, Secretary, Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture & Floriculture
3. Dr. Y.C. Gupta, Ex Dean, UHF Solan
4. Dr. S K Singh, DDG, Horticulture, ICAR
5. Shri Priya Ranjan, IFoS, MD, NHB
6. Dr. Markandey Singh, Head, Floric, IARI, New Delhi

Session brief

1. In this session, we can talk about how precision farming in horticulture and landscaping is revolutionising traditional practices, optimising resource utilisation and enhancing productivity. From precision irrigation to targeted pest management, technology-driven solutions are empowering growers to maximize yields while minimising environmental impact. Utilising data analytics and IoT sensors, precision farming enables real-time monitoring and decision-making, ensuring optimal plant health and quality. Integrated pest management techniques, coupled with advanced sensors, facilitate early detection and intervention, reducing reliance on chemical inputs. Embracing precision farming methodologies, the horticulture and landscaping sector can achieve sustainable growth while meeting evolving market demands.

Topic

1. Utilising IoT and Sensor Technology in Horticulture
2. Precision Irrigation Techniques for Ornamental Crops
3. Drip Irrigation System
4. Advances in Landscape Gardening and floriculture
5. Financial supports in Floriculture
6. Business Opportunity in floriculture

Agriculture& Innovation: Leapfrogging challenges in the farm sector

1. Shri Rajiv Rellan, Chief, Sales and Marketing, Swaraj Division
2. Shri Ram Gopal Agarwal, Group Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech
3. Shri Harshvardhan Bhagchandka, President, IPL Biologicals, Ltd.
4. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR (Moderator)

Session brief

1. The pursuit of innovation into farming practices has become imperative for sustainable growth. Innovations offer promising avenues to enhance productivity, optimize resource management, and mitigate environmental impact. This session would highlight the transformative potential of adopting advanced machinery and smart irrigation techniques, etc. By exploring these innovative solutions, we aim to pave the way for a more resilient and efficient agricultural sector, ensuring the prosperity of farmers and the sustainability of our food systems.

Topic

1. Role of Innovation in Modern Agriculture
2. Innovation in Farm Machinery and Equipment
3. Sustainable Farming Practices
4. Smart Irrigation Systems
5. Climate-Smart Farming Practices

Talking Points

1. Role of Technology in Modern Agriculture
2. Adoption of modern machinery and equipment in farming practices.
3. Innovation in Farm Machinery and Equipment
4. Incorporating precision agriculture techniques to optimize resource utilization.
5. Introduction of smart irrigation systems to conserve water and improve crop yields.
6. Sustainable Farming Practices

Financial Inclusion for Farmers: Examine options of loans, insurance and related products & services to increase farmers’ incomes

1. Dr. AV Bhavani Shankar, Chief General Manager, Farm Sector Development Department, NABARD
2. Shri Hemendra Mathur, Venture Partner and Co-founder, Bharat Innovation Fund and ThinkAg
3. Shri Dina Nath Thakur, National President, Sahakar Bharti
4. Shri Sundeep Kumar Nayak, IAS (Retd.), Former Director General, National Productivity Council
5. Shri Shantanu Pendsey, CGM (ABU&GSS), SBI
6. Shri Rajiv Tikoo, Consulting Editor-Sustainability, Outlook Group (Moderator)

Session brief

1. With a focus on financial inclusion for farmers, this session would explore avenues such as credit access, insurance, and governmental initiatives. It would touch upon topics like investment prospects within agri-tech startups and emphasise the important role of cooperatives in economic empowerment. Role of philanthropic endeavors and its impact on sustainable agricultural development and poverty alleviation.

Topic

1. Access to Credit and Microfinance for Farmers
2. Investment Opportunities in Agri-Tech Startups
3. Venture Capital Funding in Agriculture
4. Government Schemes for Market Access and Value Chains
5. Role of Farmer Cooperatives in Economic Empowerment
6. Philanthropic Initiatives for Agricultural Development

Talking Points

1. Challenges faced by farmers in accessing credit and insurance, and strategies for enhancing financial inclusion.
2. Investment opportunities in agri-tech startups and their potential to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture.
3. Importance of venture capital funding in supporting agri-tech innovations and scaling up successful models.
4. Government schemes and initiatives aimed at improving market access and value chains for farmers.
5. Role of farmer cooperatives in promoting collective action and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
6. Philanthropic initiatives and partnerships for sustainable agricultural development and poverty alleviation.

Keynote Address

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare

Awards Ceremony

Vote of Thanks

Smt. Suchetana Ray, Editor, Outlook Business and Chief Strategy Officer, Outlook Group