By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : April 02, 2025 10:16 am
The hackathon provided a platform for participants to develop innovative solutions aimed at providing affordable and sustainable projects
K J Somaiya School of Engineering at Somaiya Vidyavihar University organized a 24-hour Agritech Hackathon from March 27th to 28th, 2025, aimed at dealing with the significant challenges faced by Indian farmers.
Indian agriculture faces a lot of issues against nature and time. From unpredictable weather patterns and the growing impacts of climate change to labour shortages and deteriorating soil health, the challenges are immense. Post-harvest losses, caused by poor infrastructure and lack of storage, exacerbate the situation. On top of that, fluctuating market prices often leave farmers selling their produce at a loss.
The event saw a remarkable 1,200 registrations, with 300 participants from across India shortlisted for the competition, each bringing expertise in Agriculture, Engineering, and Management.
The hackathon provided a platform for participants to develop innovative solutions aimed at providing affordable and sustainable projects to manage these issues, with the help of advanced technologies like IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and data analytics.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Neetin Desai, a distinguished biotechnologist and Dean of the Faculty of Science at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, with expertise in agricultural biotechnology and sustainability. The panel delved into how technology can transform farming, addressing crucial issues such as enhancing irrigation practices, combating crop diseases, and narrowing the technological divide in rural areas. Discussions emphasized providing farmers with easy-to-use, affordable tools, such as mobile apps for weather forecasts, improved irrigation solutions, and advanced farming equipment.
Notable figures who contributed to the event included Prasanna Popatrao Pawar, a respected farmer who has promoted practices like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and watershed management to enhance crop yields and empower rural communities. Abhishek Reddy, a renowned industry expert specializing in Agri-Tech and innovative solutions for the agricultural sector, also shared his insights. Jeevan Garsund from RCF, an expert in fertilizers and chemical production, focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. Dr. Nandkumar Kunchge and Dr. Bodake, both renowned experts in agricultural technology, also provided valuable guidance to the participants.
The event lasted for 24 hours, during which teams presented their solutions in three jury rounds. Projects were judged based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, scalability, and potential impact on the agricultural sector. During the valedictory function, Dr. Raghunath K. Shegaonkar, a respected academician specializing in engineering and technological research, was joined by Dashrath Tamble, former Director of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra, known for his significant contributions to agricultural development and policy implementation. Dr. Kuber from BARC, an expert in using nuclear and radiation technologies to enhance soil health and crop yields, and Dr. Nandkumar Gilke, Registrar of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, also guided the participants.
The winning teams received prizes worth Rs. 2 lakhs, awarded as follows:
1st Winner: Team Stranger Strings from Vivekanand Education Society's Institute of Technology (VESIT), Mumbai
1st Runner-up: Team IoTVerse from Rajkiya Engineering College, Banda, Uttar Pradesh and Team AgriBot from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Professional Management and Technology, Raipur
2nd Runner-up: Team Greenpulse from K.J. Somaiya School of Engineering, Somaiya Vidyavihar University