ANNAM.AI-IIT Ropar and SVPUAT Meerut Launch Agritech Innovation Hub in Uttar Pradesh
Bahadurjeet Singh/royalpatiala.in News/ Rupnagar,July 8,2025
In a historic move set to revolutionize the landscape of Indian agriculture, the Agritech Innovation Hub, powered by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, was inaugurated today at the College of Technology, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT), Meerut in presence of Dharmendra Pradhan and Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Surya Pratap Shahi, Agriculture Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh and Anil Kumar, Cabinet Minister (Science & Technology) Government of Uttar Pradesh. This event brought together technology and farming, aiming to empower farmers and build a brighter, more sustainable future for agriculture in India.
The grand occasion witnessed the inauguration of the Agritech Innovation Hub, the Agritech Startup & Technology Showcase, and a live Technology Demonstration at the “Model Smart Farm” within SVPUAT’s campus, aims to bring new ideas, research, and support directly to farmers and help them grow with the help of science and innovation.
The event was graced by Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, as the Chief Guest, who applauded the effort as a shining example of “science for society.” He highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to integrating AI and emerging technologies in education, research, and grassroots applications, particularly in agriculture. He appreciated the efforts undertaken by the Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI COE) for Agriculture: Annam AI supported by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, emphasized the hub’s significance in empowering rural youth and farmers alike to embrace a new era of agritech-driven progress.
Surya Pratap Shahi, Agriculture Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh, commended the partnership between IIT Ropar and SVPUAT as a key move to modernize farming, boost productivity, and build climate resilience.
Anil Kumar emphasized that the future of Indian farming lies in technology. By using sensors and AI, farmers will get timely, accurate information to improve crop production.
A key milestone was the MoU signing between IIT Ropar and SVPUAT, laying the foundation for joint efforts in research, technology development, and field deployment.
In his remarks, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, spoke about ANNAM.AI and iHub-AWaDH as national platforms driving deep-tech solutions for Indian agriculture. Prof. K.K. Singh, Vice Chancellor, SVPUAT, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to farmer-centric innovation and community engagement.
Dr. Pushpendra P. Singh, Project Director of ANNAM.AI, outlined the Hub’s vision—smart farm tools, CPS labs, training, and startup support.
The event also featured tech showcases, farmer-centric initiatives, and announcements of upcoming startup and skilling programs—signaling a bold step toward a future-ready agricultural ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh.
