Varanasi: A series of key activities was held in Varanasi on Tuesday under the UP-AGREES and Agri-Connect programmes to boost farmers’ income in Uttar Pradesh by integrating agriculture with modern technology, research, private sector participation and Farmer Producer Organisations.A delegation led by the managing director of World Bank Group, Paschal Donohoe, participated in the programmes. The delegation comprised the UP-AGREES project team and representatives of Agri-Connect partners Google Cloud and Network for Humanity Foundation.The visit began at International Rice Research Institute, where digital agriculture and artificial intelligence-based technologies were demonstrated, showcasing Open Network for Agriculture initiative.Representatives of FPOs and farmers interacted with the delegation while Google Cloud and Network for Humanity Foundation representatives explained the technical structure and functioning of ONA. Farmers and FPOs also shared feedback on services like AI-based agricultural advisory, pest identification and soil testing.Private sector representatives from Ayekart, Krishitantra, Haqdarshak, FarMart, TraceX, Katidhan and Arya.ag presented their agricultural service models.The delegation later visited Tilak Fish Farm in Sewapuri block, where the team was briefed on how allied agricultural activities, particularly fisheries, can generate additional and sustainable income for farmers through technology and private sector partnerships.In Goshila village of Sewapuri block, the delegation observed climate-smart practices in paddy cultivation. Demonstrations were held on farm mechanisation, Direct Seeded Rice, narrow wheel sprayers, balers and crop residue management technologies.Drone Didi and Manvendra demonstrated drone-based seeding and spraying, while Anthony Fulford shared information on greenhouse gas sample collection.During interactions with farmers, discussions focused on farmers’ interests, opportunities for private sector participation and the business model of Custom Hiring Centres. Deputy Director of Agriculture Amit Jaiswal, UP-DASP and Surya also took part in the programme.Information was also shared on future opportunities to provide farmers with additional income through climate-smart agriculture, crop residue management and linkages with carbon markets.In the next phase, the delegation visited IRRI, South Asia Regional Centre at NSRTC campus. The delegation also visited the Geographic Information System laboratory.The programme highlighted the potential of modern agricultural technologies, artificial intelligence, climate-smart farming, mechanisation, allied activities and scientific research in improving farmers’ productivity and income.
