SBI Foundation and ICRISAT Launch SMART-CROP to Promote Smart, Data-Driven Farming

A major step has been taken to help small and marginal farmers in India through the launch of the SMART-CROP project — Sustainable Monitoring and Real-time Tracking for Crop Resilience and Optimal Practices. The project aims to use advanced technology to improve farm productivity and protect crops from pests, diseases, and climate risks.

Project Overview

The SMART-CROP project was launched by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in collaboration with the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Raichur, and Agribridge.
The initiative will benefit more than 8,000 farmers across Telangana (Sangareddy, Vikarabad) and Karnataka (Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur).

It is a three-year project supported under the SBI Foundation’s LEAP (Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme), focusing on building climate-smart and data-driven farming solutions.

Use of Advanced Technology

The SMART-CROP project will integrate satellite imaging, remote sensing, and AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) tools to monitor crops in real-time.

These tools will help farmers:

• Detect crop stress early due to pests, diseases, or lack of nutrients
• Identify climate-related risks like drought or excess rainfall
• Maintain soil health and sustainability
• Make informed decisions for better crop management and yields

Focus on Pulse Cultivation

According to Dr. Mamta Sharma, Principal Scientist and Pathology Lead at ICRISAT, nearly 40% of global crop losses occur every year due to pests and diseases.
To address this, the SMART-CROP project will primarily focus on improving pulse cultivation, especially pigeon pea and chickpea, which are important crops for both nutrition and livelihood in semi-arid regions.

By combining modern technologies with sustainable farming practices, the project aims to reduce losses, improve productivity, and ensure resilient farming systems for the future.

Real-Time Monitoring and Farmer Benefits

Through real-time data tracking and weather-based forecasting, the project will alert farmers about potential pest attacks, disease risks, or climate stress in advance.
This proactive approach allows them to take preventive actions instead of reacting after damage occurs — saving crops, resources, and income.

Farmers will also receive training and digital tools to help them interpret the data and adopt best agricultural practices.