India’s First Agricultural Hackathon To Be Held In Pune From June 1–3; Aims To Revolutionize Farming Through Technology

Pune, 30th May 2025: Pune is set to host the nation’s first-ever Agricultural Hackathon from 1st June to 3rd June, with the event taking place on the premises of the College of Agriculture. The initiative is seen as a major step toward revolutionizing Indian agriculture through the application of modern technology. The event was formally announced by Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi during a press conference on Thursday.

Organized in collaboration with the Agriculture Department, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, and several international institutions, the hackathon will be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar on 1st June. The opening ceremony will also be attended by Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate. The closing ceremony on 3rd June will feature prominent leaders, including Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The three-day event will see competitions conducted across eight sectors of agriculture. Participants will include students from across India, agri-tech startups, and traditional farmers. Dudi noted that out of 1,800 initial registrations, 560 participants submitted project proposals, of which 140 have been shortlisted to present their innovations during the event.

These innovations will be assessed for implementation in the upcoming Kharif season across various parts of the state. Technologies that prove successful in real-world application will be adopted more widely, with the initiative receiving official approval from the State Government.

Interestingly, the hackathon received an international entry from Russia, which was eventually disqualified. However, participation from almost every Indian state has been confirmed, including entries from students at prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT).

A key feature of the event will be the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address long-standing agricultural challenges. The focus will be on developing low-cost, accessible technologies for small and marginal farmers. Solutions will aim to tackle critical issues such as climate change, water scarcity, crop protection, post-harvest losses, and efficient fertilizer usage through long-term strategies.