ICAR-CTCRI Launches e-Crop: A Leap in IoT-Based Precision Agriculture

To advance precision agriculture, the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) in Thiruvananthapuram has launched an innovative IoT-based technology called 'e-crop'. The official technology transfer was marked by the signing of a Technology Licensing Agreement (TLA) with Tech Visit IT Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, facilitated by Agrinnovate India Limited, New Delhi.

The agreement was exchanged between Dr. G. Byju, Director of ICAR-CTCRI, and Bharat Patni, Director of Tech Visit IT Pvt. Ltd., in a ceremony attended by around 120 scientists and staff of ICAR-CTCRI. Dr. Praveen Malik, CEO of Agrinnovate India, highlighted the market potential of e-crop in the smart farming sector, emphasizing its capability to significantly boost farmers' profits compared to conventional farming methods.

Dr. Byju highlighted the importance of launching e-crop on World Environment Day, underlining its role as a climate-focused, high-value technology. He hailed the event as a milestone in ICAR-CTCRI's history. Dr. V.S. Santhosh Mithra, Principal Scientist and inventor of e-crop, detailed the technology's features, describing it as "farmer-friendly."

E-crop: Advancing Sustainable Farming in India's Precision Agri Market

E-crop is designed to help farmers manage scarce natural resources by precisely measuring soil moisture, temperature, nutrient content, and weather parameters. Its advanced crop growth models provide timely advice on irrigation, fertilizer application, and pest and disease management. This eco-friendly technology not only maximizes input efficiency but also minimizes wastage, positioning itself as an essential tool in regenerative agriculture.

The technology's relevance is underscored by its substantial share in India's $886.21 million precision agriculture market. The licensing process was expertly managed by the Institute Technology Management Unit of ICAR-CTCRI through Agrinnovate India Private Limited, New Delhi.

The launch of e-crop represents a significant step towards sustainable agriculture, ensuring higher productivity and profitability for farmers while conserving natural resources. As the smart farming sector continues to evolve, e-crop stands out as a vital innovation driving the future of agriculture in India.