Zuari Industries (SPE Division) successfully hosted the second edition of its roundtable on “Mechanization and Digitalization in Sugarcane – Driving Efficiency, Productivity, and Sustainability” at Gobind Sugar Mill, Aira, Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. The two-day event, held on October 6–7, 2025, brought together farmers, scientists, policymakers, technology providers, and industry leaders to explore the transformative potential of mechanization and digital tools in India’s sugarcane sector.
Building on the success of the first roundtable in 2024, which focused on climate-resilient sugarcane, Roundtable 2.0 focused mechanization and digitalization aimed at enhancing yields, reducing input costs, and improving overall resilience. Experts emphasized goal-oriented planning, mechanized operations, and AI- and IoT-based tools for soil, pest, and crop management. With India’s farm mechanization rate currently at 40–45% and the government targeting 70–80%, accelerating adoption—especially in Uttar Pradesh—is crucial. The discussions also highlighted the USD 24 billion agri-tech market and showcased affordable, localized technologies that reduce labour dependency and support data-driven farming practices.
The conference was inaugurated by Dr Dinesh Singh, Director, ICAR-IISR, who served as Chief Guest, along with Ved Prakash Singh (District Cane Officer, Lakhimpur), M.K. Singh and Dr M.K. Tripathi (IISR), Rajesh Kumar Verma (Secretary, Aira Society), and Vijaylakhmi (Senior CDI, Aira). Over 250 farmers attended the event, sharing experiences on integrating digital and mechanical solutions into their farming practices. Technical sessions covered topics including climate risk assessment, ESG frameworks, and innovative mechanization models led by scientists from ICAR–ISRI and agri-equipment experts.
The second day featured live demonstrations and interactive sessions by agri-tech companies such as ScaNxt, Navriti Innovations, Vibrant Solutions, MacroCosmos, Amity Software, Shaktimaan Agro, and Lasermatik. Discussions revolved around the use of AI, IoT, and geospatial intelligence to enhance precision farming, water-use efficiency, and yield predictability.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Dinesh Singh noted, “Zuari Industries’ Roundtable 2.0 is a timely initiative bringing together key stakeholders to address the evolving challenges in India’s sugarcane sector. ICAR is developing multiple disease-resistant varieties like CoLk-14201 and CoLk-16202 to combat vulnerabilities such as red rot. Platforms like these help bridge scientific research with on-ground implementation for sustainable growth.”
Alok Saxena, Executive Director & Unit Head, SPE Division, Zuari Industries, said, “This roundtable has created a collaborative platform for farmers and technology experts to exchange ideas and solutions. Mechanization, smart irrigation, AI, and IoT are the way forward for optimizing costs, improving yields, and ensuring sustainable growth for sugarcane-dependent communities.”
Reaffirming its commitment to sustainable agriculture, Zuari Industries continues to promote innovation, knowledge sharing, and digital transformation to strengthen the long-term efficiency and resilience of India’s sugarcane and sugar industry.