AI & Agri‑Startups to Add Rs 70,000 crore to India’s Agricultural Economy – Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, 17th Agriculture Leadership Conclave 2026

Key Highlights The Union Minister of State for Science &amp; Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh , addressed the 17th Agriculture Leadership Conclave 2026 and highlighted how AI and Agri‑Startups can boost India’s agricultural economy by about Rs 70,000 crore annually. Key Developments AI‑driven optimisation could save each farmer roughly Rs 5,000 per year, creating a cumulative value addition of Rs 70,000 crore . India’s startup ecosystem has grown from 350 in 2015 to over 2.3 lakh in 2026, with agriculture identified as the next frontier. Success stories like the Purple Revolution demonstrate how science‑led ventures can generate incomes of Rs 60‑70 lakh for young entrepreneurs. India aims for Net Zero by 2070, with agriculture contributing through bio‑fuels and renewable energy. Deployment of satellite technology , drones and precision farming tools to improve decision‑making. Important Facts The Ministry of Science &amp; Technology is coordinating research across climate‑resilient crops, genomics, pest‑resistant varieties and resource optimisation. The Minister stressed that collaboration among government, industry, research institutions, startups and farmers is essential for translating innovation into field‑level gains. UPSC Relevance Understanding the role of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Artif