Overview India has implemented digital innovation initiatives in rural areas since the early 1990s, beginning with satellite-linked Village Knowledge Centers that provided internet access and enabled villagers to obtain essential information. By 2020, the country had approximately 3,116 registered food and agriculture startups, growing at an estimated annual rate of 30%. These developments have contributed to the expansion of the agri-tech sector and influenced similar efforts in other countries across the region. As part of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Program (SAFSP), Landell Mills organized a study tour on 21-26 August 2023 in India to explore digital innovations that support climate-resilient and safe agri-food value chains. The initiative involved 17 participants from both the private sector and government agencies in GMS countries. This article outlines the technologies and strategies presented during the tour, with a focus on their potential for adaptation in other contexts and their relevance to smallholder farmer integration within agri-food systems. Digital and Smart Technology Solutions in Agriculture Integrating autonomous vehicles and AI in precision crop management Ex Machines, a robotics company based in Hyderabad, has developed the X100, a robotic platform designed to perform a variety of agricultural tasks. Resembling a compact tractor, the X100 operates using a range of specialized attachments for activities such as planting, weeding, and pesticide application. It is fully electric, can be remotely operated, and offers autonomous functionality once the field perimeter is defined. The platform supports precision agriculture by identifying crop-related issues and aiming to reduce input costs. This contributes to more efficient resource use and environmentally sustainable farming practices. Ex Machines also seeks to improve accessibility by offering rental services through rural micro-entrepreneurs, helping lower the cost barrier for small-scale farmers. Drone-based imaging solutions for real-time crop monitoring Point of Beat is a drone services company that utilizes advanced imaging technologies—including multispectral, hyperspectral, and thermal imaging—to monitor crop health. Integrated with drone systems, these technologies help detect issues such as diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. By capturing high-resolution images and applying detailed data analysis, the company delivers actionable insights to farmers. Its approach also supports more sustainable agricultural practices by enabling targeted interventions, thereby reducing the use of chemicals, minimizing water pollution, and limiting environmental impact. AI-powered pest and disease detection through the Plantix app Plantix is a mobile application that leverages artificial intelligence to assist farmers in identifying plant diseases and pests. Available in 18 languages, the app has been downloaded over 10 million times. It enables users to upload photographs of plants, which are then analyzed using AI to detect and diagnose issues. The app can identify over 120 diseases and pests across 30 different crop types. Participants of the tour testing the Plantix mobile app. Photo credit: Landell Mills. Beyond diagnostics, Plantix offers treatment recommendations and guidance for managing identified issues. It also includes a community forum where users can ask questions and receive responses from both fellow farmers and agricultural experts. Additional features such as growth tracking and irrigation management are available to support users in optimizing their farming practices. Digital platforms enhancing market access for agri-producers Kalgudi is a startup incubator that develops digital platforms aimed at addressing rural and agricultural challenges. The company operates two main platforms: Outputs, which facilitates the marketing of agricultural produce with a focus on traceability, and Inputs, which provides access to agricultural inputs through a network of onboarded suppliers. Both platforms offer detailed information on sellers, crop varieties, cultivation methods, and packing and drying processes, supporting targeted connections between traders and farmers. Through its emphasis on traceability and product information, Kalgudi aims to address challenges related to market access, particularly in the context of exports. The documentation of cultivation practices, production methods, and processing standards aligns with the requirements of international markets. The company also serves as an aggregator for government programs by supporting women's self-help groups in listing their products on mainstream e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. This support includes guidance on compliance, labeling, packaging, and brand representation. Currently, Kalgudi works with approximately 50,000 self-help groups—each with around ten members—and manages a digital inventory of about 500,000 products. FarmRobo’s Minibot: Smart machinery for smallholder farming FarmRobo is an agricultural technology company that focuses on designing and manufacturing agricultural products suited to local farming conditions, with attention to cost-effectiveness. One of its key developments is the Minibot, an unmanned ground vehicle designed for various agricultural applications, including inter-cultivation, rotavating, and spraying. The Minibot features a high-resolution camera system, a lithium-ion battery pack capable of operating for up to eight hours on a single charge, and multiple attachments for different tasks. Demonstration of FarmRobo’s Minibot. Photo credit: Landell Mills. The Minibot uses artificial intelligence and its camera system to navigate fields autonomously, maintain row alignment, and avoid obstacles. It is designed for use with both dry and row crops, and can be applied across a range of agricultural contexts in India. Incubation model for scaling agri-food innovations The Agribusiness Innovation Platform (AIP) supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of agricultural startups and agribusiness ventures. Its Innovation and Partnership Program spans entire value chains and engages with large companies, farmer producer organizations, and communities. The program offers a range of services, including strategic business consultation, training, capacity building, and participation in relevant events. It also supports primary and secondary processing units for crops such as groundnut and millets, enabling farmers to take part in value addition. The program emphasizes product development, particularly in the creation of innovative and nutritious food products. These are developed in collaboration with entrepreneurs, refined through consumer feedback, and introduced to the market in partnership with retailers, dealers, and distributors. AIP also provides training on food safety standards and regulatory compliance, helping startups align with the quality and safety requirements set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Conclusion Digital technologies, including remote sensing, precision farming, and data analytics, offer significant potential to support good agricultural practices (GAP). These tools facilitate effective monitoring of crop growth, enable the detection of issues such as nutrient deficiencies, pests, and diseases, and optimize farming operations by providing data on soil, water, and crops. Additionally, digital solutions contribute to improved market access, enhanced traceability, and higher food safety standards. By providing farmers with access to critical information, such as weather forecasts, market prices, and agricultural inputs through mobile applications, these technologies empower them to make well-informed decisions and strengthen their capacities. Ask the Experts Landell Mills Management Consulting Landell Mills is an international development consulting firm, which provides a range of development-oriented services that aim to assist countries and their peoples in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. Its mission is to assist clients to participate actively in the global economy while protecting fragile environments and vulnerable communities in the process. Follow Landell Mills on Asian Development Bank (ADB) The Asian Development Bank is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—49 from the region. Follow Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Leave your question or comment in the section below: View the discussion thread.