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Deploying In-Field Farm Monitoring Device (SiGHT) and Skill development for Smart Climate-Resilient and Data-Driven Agriculture in Rural India

Status: New

Lab/Organization
Name & address of the Laboratory/Organization Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Palakkad
Website address https://iitpkd.ac.in
Affiliated to which Department/Ministry Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
CSR Registration Number CSR00006228
Registration under 12A
Registration under 80G ITBA/EXM/S/80G/2020-21/1027823431(1) dated 28/08/2020
Name of the CSR Nodal Sureshkumar Chekkala
Contact information of CSR Nodal 9494143565, aricsr@iitpkd.ac.in
Principal Investigator Dr. Sreenath T V, sreenath@iitpkd.ac.in
Co- Principal Investigator (Co-PI)
Project Detail
Objective on the basis of need

1. Manufacture and Deployment: Fabricate and deploy 8 SiGHT units in selected rural areas, providing tailored insights for local farmers.

2. Ground Team Mobilisation: Conduct drone-assisted mapping of target areas to identify optimal deployment zones and ensure maximum impact.

3. Training and Capacity Building: Deliver comprehensive hands-on training sessions to local farmers, ensuring they can effectively operate and maintain SiGHT units.

4. Stakeholder Engagement: Establish partnerships with local government bodies and agricultural organisations to facilitate widespread adoption of the technology.

5. Sustainability and Scalability Study: Conduct a thorough assessment of the project’s impact, with plans to scale across additional regions based on data-driven outcomes."

Executive summary of the proposed project (In 250 words)

Agricultural landscape is predominantly composed of smallholder and marginal farmers who face a range of challenges, including erratic weather patterns, poor soil health, and inefficient resource use. With 86% of farmers in India owning less than two hectares of land, the reliance on conventional farming methods has led to stagnant productivity, increased input costs, and susceptibility to climate risks. Furthermore, excessive use of water, improper application of pesticides, and nutrient mismanagement are common pain points, leading to suboptimal yields and financial distress. AgriTech interventions are crucial to bridge this gap, offering farmers real-time data, predictive insights, and resource optimization. By adopting data-driven farming practices, we can enable farmers to make informed decisions, minimise risk, and enhance their yields sustainably. The goal of this project is to deploy 8 In-Field Farm Monitoring Devices (SiGHT) in key rural regions, helping marginal farmers transition to climate-resilient and data-driven agriculture. These units will empower farmers by providing real-time insights into crop health, weather conditions, and soil quality. Through the adoption of these technologies, we aim to foster sustainable agricultural practices, improve economic resilience, and empower farmers to thrive in an increasingly challenging climate.

Technology Readiness Level (If not a new project but an advancement of existing know how) 5
Outomes or Deliverables

Improved crop yields and quality through real-time monitoring

- Enhanced decision-making through data-driven insights

- Increased economic resilience and reduced financial distress

- Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and climate resilience

- Empowerment of smallholder farmers through technology adoption.

Project aligned with which most relevant UN SDGs Goal 3 - Good Health & Well-Being
Goal 4 - Quality Education
Goal 13 - Climate Action
Goal 17 - Partnerships For The Goals
Duration (In years) 2
Expected Impact

Improved livelihoods of marginal farmers based on the insights provided by Revin SiGHT.

1. Income Growth

2. Productivity Boost

3. Pesticide Reduction

4. Water Conservation

5. Carbon Footprint Reduction

6. Youth Engagement"

Implementation model (self- implemented/ outsourced partnership) self- implemented
Total Budget (Recurring +Non-Recurring Expenses) 41.49 lakhs