Researchers from Indian Institute of Management Lucknow have conducted a study highlighting the importance of bringing digital technology to farming and agriculture in India. They looked at four major Agtech platforms in the country to see how they’re changing the industry. These platforms help farmers by giving them digital tools and information, which can make a big difference in agriculture.
The study, led by Prof. Sanjeev Kapoor from IIM Lucknow and Prof. Neeraj Singh from IIM Rohtak, was published in the journal Technology Analysis & Strategic Management. They focused on platforms like Dehaat, Samunnati Agrielevate, IFFCO Bazar, and KRIBHCO-CSC-eGov, analyzing how they connect different people in the agricultural sector and make farming more efficient.
Prof. Kapoor emphasized the significance of their research, saying it’s the first to talk about partners for Agtech platforms. They found that these platforms work best when they have support from financial institutions, warehouses, logistics partners, and social media for sharing information among farmers.
The study also looked at how different platforms are structured and governed. Some, like IFFCO Bazar and KRIBHCO CSC-eGov, are cooperative platforms owned and run by farmers themselves. Others, like Dehaat and Agrielevate, are private companies focused on profit. Both approaches have pros and cons, but cooperative platforms tend to prioritize community interests.
Dr. Neeraj Singh highlighted that there’s still a lot to learn about Agtech platforms, especially in academic and management circles. Their research provides a practical framework for managers in agriculture to understand how these platforms work and how to make them successful.
Overall, the study offers valuable insights into how digital platforms are changing agriculture in India and how they can be improved in the future.
