Geospatial technology is poised to redefine India’s agricultural sector, offering a powerful solution to long-standing challenges like inefficiencies and data gaps. As the country grapples with inefficiencies and delayed insights, experts are rallying behind the potential of real-time data solutions to empower farmers and optimise resources.
Sanjiv Rangrass, Venture Partner, Capria Ventures underscored potential of geospatial solutions in agriculture, states, “To me, the proposition has to be centered around one single biggest entrepreneur there – the farmer.” By leveraging platforms like UPI for collaboration in agriculture, Rangrass highlighted how partnerships with entities such as the World Bank are reshaping the sector. However, he raised a fundamental question, “Have we been able to make an impact? Is the core actor—the farmer—earning more?”
One major gap identified is the lack of real-time data. India’s reliance on a decade-long census cycle, he pointed out, creates delays in actionable insights. To address this, an ambitious initiative is underway, “By April, I will rank all states’ efforts on digitising all dimensions of agriculture,” he reveals, emphasising the need to evaluate progress and push state governments into action. Agriculture, being a state subject, requires localised solutions backed by strong central frameworks.
Areas like waste reduction also remains a significant hurdle in early-stage geospatial implementation, yet optimism persists. According to Rangrass, “The single silver bullet in this is geospatial.” It holds the potential to minimise inefficiencies, improve yield and empower India’s 140 million farmers.
Geospatial Industry Gaining Momentum
Brijesh Damodaran, Co-founder, Auxano Capital, recounted the evolution of the geospatial ecosystem, “In 2018, we made our first investment. By 2022, the policy framework was in place.” He acknowledged that government support has been instrumental in fostering the sector, yet industry players need to be proactive in exploring market opportunities. With India’s geospatial market projected to grow at a CAGR of over 13 per cent through 2025, private and public collaboration remains vital.
Naresh Soni, CEO, DeepMatrix echoes this sentiment, emphasising the need for sustained efforts to address systemic challenges. While market size and growth potential are encouraging, the sector’s scalability relies heavily on continuous innovation and robust policy support.
Private Sector Leads The Way, Data Challenges Remain
Srikant Shastri, Chairman of Government of India's 'Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC) highlights the critical role of the private sector, remarks, “Private players have been very enthusiastic. They didn’t have access to this data earlier, but now they’re using it effectively.” The democratisation of geospatial data has allowed companies to innovate in agriculture, urban planning and logistics. However, he cautions that government-side issues, particularly around data availability and standardisation, continue to pose barriers.
“It has progressed much faster than I expected,” he admitted, but emphasised the need for consistent follow-ups to ensure sustainable growth. Challenges in coordination between the public and private sectors persist, underscoring the importance of cohesive strategies.
India’s geospatial roadmap aligns with global trends. According to a report by Nasscom, India’s deep tech startups, including those focusing on geospatial technologies, raised over USD 3 billion in funding in 2023. This surge reflects a growing appetite for innovative solutions in sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure planning.
The Geospatial Data Guidelines 2021 marked a turning point, liberalising access to high-resolution mapping and satellite imagery. This move positioned India as a leader in democratising geospatial data. The National Geospatial Policy 2022 further accelerated this momentum by providing a clear framework for private sector engagement and setting ambitious goals for developing the geospatial ecosystem.
Yet, challenges remain. A McKinsey report suggests that integrating geospatial data into traditional industries could unlock USD 20 billion in economic value annually. For this to happen, seamless collaboration between stakeholders, real-time data integration, and capacity-building initiatives are essential.
The Road Ahead
India’s geospatial sector holds immense promise, but its success depends on a collective vision. As experts aptly summarise, “The idea is to push people.” By fostering innovation, ensuring data accessibility, and empowering farmers as core stakeholders, geospatial technology could revolutionise the nation’s agricultural landscape.
The private sector, energised by policy reforms and burgeoning market potential, is stepping up. However, as Shastri pointed out, sustained follow-through is essential to overcome bureaucratic inertia and maximise the potential of geospatial solutions.
With ranking frameworks for states, robust public-private partnerships, and continued innovation, India could emerge as a global leader in geospatial technology. The journey has begun, but much remains to be mapped.
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