Farm Mechanization is Key for India’s Food Security: Ashok Anantharaman, COO, ACE

Agriculture is an ever-evolving industry. It requires consistent upgradation with equipment, technology, and a lot more. As the needs keep shifting from year to year, farmers and other stakeholders too will have to take up the mantle. On May 14, 2024, esteemed guests from ACE visited Krishi Jagran’s office in New Delhi. The day was lit up by the presence of Mr. Ashok Anantharaman, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, Senior Manager- PMG, both from Action Construction Equipment Ltd. (ACE). Mr Anantharaman is a driving force behind ACE Tractors' strategic expansion and technological advancement in the agriculture sector. On the big day, he highlighted ACE's role in agricultural mechanization and technological innovation amid India's push for self-sufficiency in food and infrastructure development.

The guests were warmly welcomed by Mr. M C Dominic, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Krishi Jagran, and Mrs. Shiny Dominic, Managing Director of Krishi Jagran. Shortly, a video tracing Krishi Jagran's journey from its inception to the present was showcased.

Addressing the audience, Mr Anantharaman emphasized the longstanding legacy of ACE, highlighting its 29-year history of delivering high-quality products at competitive prices. As a leader in crane manufacturing, holding an impressive 80 percent market share, ACE garnered significant attention, particularly with the commencement of major infrastructure projects such as bullet trains and metro systems across India. This surge in interest has extended to governmental bodies, including the Defence, Navy, and Army, seeking collaboration to meet their diverse needs.

Notably, the current landscape reflects a positive shift towards self-sufficiency, with India increasingly consuming what it produces. However, the challenge of diminishing arable land due to rapid urbanization underscores the importance of maximizing agricultural efficiency. Considering this, farm mechanization is a crucial solution, pivotal for sustaining food security and meeting the needs of a burgeoning population.

According to Mr Anantharaman, India has historically lagged in farm mechanization; but now there is a noticeable shift in the mindset among farmers towards commercialization. Furthermore, the adoption of harvesters for various crops is gaining traction, with success stories from across the nation. Highlighting these advancements is essential, as they signify a pivotal step towards achieving agricultural prosperity and ensuring a sustainable future.

Next, he highlighted that precision farming and modern agriculture aim to minimize production costs and waste by customizing practices to suit each plot's specific requirements. This approach is crucial in today's context, involving extensive data collection and analysis of farm plots using sensors, drones, and robots to gather data.

He also expressed gratitude towards the Krishi Jagran team, acknowledging them as major influencers who cover stories impartially. Their dedication to capturing feedback from farmers and disseminating it to others promotes good agricultural practices. “As literacy rates improve, farmers will increasingly embrace technological advancements. Your team effectively highlights the benefits of new technologies and machinery. With a 27-year legacy, Krishi Jagran’s multilingual coverage capacity is commendable, making it a vital information conduit,” he said. Concluding, he extended best wishes for the success of the forthcoming MFOI award.

Following this, Mr MC Dominic, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Krishi Jagran acknowledged Ashok Anantharaman's profound understanding of mechanization. "His expertise in farm mechanization equips him with the knowledge needed to advance Indian agricultural mechanization," he shared.

The event turned out to be an enlightening session. It ended with a Vote of Thanks and a group photograph.