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PPPs and shared equipment models can yield several key benefits
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Saturday, 13 December, 2025, 15 : 00 PM [IST]
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N Indra
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India, with its vast agricultural landscape, is on the cusp of a revolution in the agricultural sector. As the nation envisions a Viksit Bharat 2047, one of the key challenges that needs addressing is the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies that can boost productivity, sustainability, and rural prosperity. Affordable agri-tech innovations have the potential to transform India's agricultural landscape, but widespread access remains a critical barrier. To overcome this, public-private partnerships (PPP) and shared equipment models can be pivotal in driving innovation, enhancing accessibility, and ensuring that small and marginal farmers are not left behind.
The Current Scenario in Indian Agriculture
India’s agriculture, which is the backbone of its economy, faces multiple challenges. Despite being one of the largest producers of food grains in the world, Indian farmers face stagnating productivity, poor access to modern agricultural technologies, and a lack of market linkages. Smallholder farmers, who represent nearly 85% of India’s farming community, continue to grapple with outdated farming practices, unpredictable weather patterns, and inadequate access to capital, which hinders their ability to invest in high-tech solutions that could increase yields and improve efficiency.
The gap in technology adoption is stark. While large corporate farms in India and developed countries benefit from state-of-the-art machinery, automated systems, and data-driven solutions, small farmers are often unable to afford these technologies due to high upfront costs and maintenance expenses. The Viksit Bharat 2047 vision can only be realised by making agricultural technology both affordable and accessible to these farmers.
The Role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Agriculture
A key mechanism that can enable the widespread adoption of agri-tech solutions is the establishment of strong public-private partnerships. These partnerships can facilitate technology transfer, provide affordable solutions, and help bridge the gap between research institutions and farmers in rural India. Government support is crucial to ensuring that technological advances reach the grassroots, but the private sector’s expertise, investment, and innovation capabilities are essential to scaling these solutions effectively.
1. Subsidising Equipment and Technology:
Government, in collaboration with private players, can subsidise the cost of advanced agricultural equipment such as drones, sensors, precision irrigation systems, and automated harvesters. Such subsidies would make it easier for farmers to adopt these technologies without bearing the full cost burden. State-sponsored initiatives could create an environment where agri-tech companies and startups are incentivised to design affordable, scalable solutions tailored to India’s diverse agricultural needs.
2. Extension of Digital Platforms:
Government-backed digital platforms, in partnership with the private sector, can offer essential agricultural data, expert advice, and market linkages. These platforms can also serve as marketplaces where farmers can lease equipment, access loans, and connect with suppliers or buyers. Digital transformation can empower farmers by providing real-time weather updates, soil health monitoring, and pest control solutions, all critical to improving productivity and reducing crop losses.
3. Training and Skill Development:
For agri-tech to be truly effective, it is essential to train farmers in its usage. Public-private collaborations can focus on education and capacity building through workshops, farmer field schools, and digital training programmes. These initiatives can bridge the skill gap, especially in rural areas where agricultural knowledge may be limited to traditional methods.
4. Innovative Financing Mechanisms:
Another key area for public-private collaboration is in creating affordable financing models for farmers to access new technology. Microfinance institutions, cooperative banks, and agri-tech companies could work together to offer low-interest loans or leasing options for purchasing or renting advanced equipment. Government-backed insurance programmes can also protect farmers from the risks associated with adopting new technology.
Shared Equipment Models: A Sustainable Solution for Small Farmers
The high cost of agricultural machinery is a major deterrent for small and marginal farmers. Many advanced agri-tech solutions, such as tractors, harvesters, and drone systems, require significant capital investment that most farmers cannot afford on their own. However, through shared equipment models, farmers can access these technologies without incurring the full cost. This collaborative approach to equipment usage has the potential to revolutionise the sector by making high-end machinery available to a larger pool of farmers.
1. Cooperatives and Community-Based Models:
In shared equipment models, groups of farmers can pool resources and invest in technology collectively. Farmer producer organisations (FPOs) or agriculture cooperatives can serve as centres for shared machinery, where farmers can rent equipment as needed. This reduces the financial burden on individual farmers while increasing access to the latest technology. By sharing equipment, farmers can utilise advanced tools like combine harvesters or precision farming drones during critical periods, like sowing or harvest, without having to bear the entire cost.
2. Equipment as a Service:
Some innovative agri-tech companies offer equipment-as-a-service models, where farmers pay a subscription fee or per-use cost to access modern machinery. These models, supported by PPP frameworks, can provide farmers with access to advanced tools without the upfront investment. This allows for scalable adoption of technology, as farmers can access high-end equipment during peak seasons without the long-term commitment.
3. Sharing Platforms:
Digital platforms that facilitate equipment sharing can play a central role in the success of shared models. These platforms can help farmers find available equipment in their area, schedule its use, and handle payments. For instance, platforms like Trringo have already demonstrated the potential of sharing farm equipment at affordable rates. These models can be expanded and integrated into state or national initiatives, supported by public-private partnerships to ensure their sustainability.
Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships and Shared Equipment Models
The combination of PPPs and shared equipment models can yield several key benefits for Indian agriculture:
- Increased Productivity: Access to modern agricultural technologies, even on a shared basis, will lead to improved productivity. Precision agriculture tools can help farmers optimise input use, reduce waste, and enhance yield.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Shared models lower the financial burden of purchasing expensive equipment. Farmers can access high-quality machinery at a fraction of the cost, while PPPs can drive down the cost of technology and services.
- Sustainability: By enabling farmers to use advanced equipment on-demand, shared models reduce the need for unnecessary machinery purchases and encourage sustainable practices. Furthermore, precision agriculture technologies like sensors and drones help conserve water, optimise fertiliser use, and reduce the environmental footprint of farming.
- Empowerment of Small Farmers: These models ensure that smallholder farmers are not left behind in the digital and technological revolution. By providing them with access to state-of-the-art solutions, they can compete on equal footing with larger agricultural operations.
- Rural Development: A vibrant agri-tech ecosystem, fuelled by public-private collaboration, can create significant economic opportunities in rural areas. It will not only help increase farm income but also provide jobs in technology development, equipment maintenance, and training.
The Road Ahead
As India moves towards realising its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, affordable agri-tech will play a central role in shaping the future of Indian agriculture. Public-private partnerships, along with shared equipment models, hold the potential to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, promote inclusive growth, and boost agricultural productivity. By prioritising accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, India can create a thriving, technology-enabled agricultural sector that ensures food security, economic resilience, and rural prosperity for generations to come.
In conclusion, the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision requires innovative solutions for the agriculture sector. Affordable agri-tech, facilitated by public-private partnerships and shared equipment models, offers a pathway for transforming India’s agricultural landscape. With the right policy frameworks, financial mechanisms, and collaborative efforts, India’s farmers can look forward to a future of increased prosperity, sustainability, and technological empowerment.
(The author is assistant professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Sengunthar Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu. She can be reached at indrapoovendran1992@gmail.com)
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