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A new three-year initiative, the SMART-CROP project, has been launched to support over 8,000 smallholder farmers across Karnataka and Telangana. Supported by the SBI Foundation’s LEAP programme, this project will use satellite imaging, remote sensing, and AI/ML analytics to provide real-time crop stress monitoring. This will enable farmers to take proactive measures against climate risks, pest and disease outbreaks, and soil degradation, ultimately strengthening their resilience and productivity. The SBI Foundation has joined hands with the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Raichur, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Agribridge to launch the project SMART-CROP (Sustainable Monitoring and Real-time Tracking for Crop Resilience and Optimal Practices). Saving food losses “Through the SMART-CROP project, we equip farmers with technology-driven solutions that enhance crop resilience, reduce risks, and promote climate-smart practices,” Sanjay Prakash, MD, SBI Foundation, said. Ms Divya Devarajan, IAS, CEO, Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), joined the launch and emphasised the importance of farmer-centric innovations to accelerate agricultural progress in India. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, said that the project would not only reduce risk at the farm level but also has the potential to save billions of dollars in food losses. The project will also conduct socio-economic assessments to evaluate yield gaps, the impact of early detection tools, and agroecological benefits. Published on October 29, 2025
