Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh | October 9, 2025:
Zuari Industries (SPE Division) successfully organized the second edition of its Roundtable Conference on “Mechanization and Digitalization in Sugarcane – Driving Efficiency, Productivity, and Sustainability” at Gobind Sugar Mill, Aira, in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. The two-day event, held on October 6–7, 2025, brought together farmers, scientists, policymakers, agri-tech companies, and sugar industry leaders to discuss how mechanization and digital solutions can transform India’s sugarcane sector.
Focus on Smart Farming and Technology Integration
Building on the success of the first roundtable in 2024, which focused on climate-resilient sugarcane, this year’s edition highlighted the role of mechanization, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) in improving yield, reducing input costs, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Experts emphasized the importance of goal-based farm planning, digital crop monitoring, and AI-driven soil and pest management tools. With India’s farm mechanization currently around 40–45% and a national goal to reach 70–80%, Uttar Pradesh remains a key focus area. Discussions also explored the country’s USD 24 billion agri-tech market, spotlighting affordable and localized technologies that reduce labor dependency and enable data-driven farming.
Participation from Industry Leaders and Farmers
The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Dinesh Singh, Director, ICAR, as Chief Guest, along with Mr. Ved Prakash Singh (District Cane Officer, Lakhimpur), Dr. M. K. Singh, Dr. M. K. Tripathi from IISR, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Verma (Secretary, Aira Society), and Ms. Vijaylakshmi (Senior CDI, Aira).
Over 250 farmers attended the conference, sharing real-life experiences on adopting mechanized equipment and digital tools in sugarcane cultivation. Presentations from scientists and experts covered topics such as climate risk assessment, ESG frameworks, and mechanization techniques for enhancing productivity.
Technology Showcases and Live Demonstrations
Day 2 of the event featured live demonstrations and interactive sessions by leading agri-tech innovators including ScaNxt, Navriti Innovations, Vibrant Solutions, MacroCosmos, Amity Software, Shaktimaan Agro, and Lasermatik. Discussions centered on AI, IoT, and geospatial technologies for precision farming, soil and water management, and yield forecasting. Participants were introduced to real-world success stories of sugar mills and startups already implementing digital and mechanized farming models across India.
Leaders’ Perspectives
Speaking at the event, Dr. Dinesh Singh, Director, ICAR, said:
“Zuari Industries’ Roundtable 2.0 is a timely and significant initiative that brings together all key stakeholders of the sugarcane ecosystem. Over-reliance on a single sugarcane variety, like Co-0238, increases vulnerability to diseases such as red rot. ICAR is developing multiple disease-resistant varieties to ensure higher recovery and stable yields. Initiatives like this help farmers adopt best practices through technology and innovation, building resilience across India’s sugarcane belt.”
Mr. Alok Saxena, Executive Director & Unit Head, SPE Division, Zuari Industries, added:
“Roundtable 2.0 has enabled valuable discussions on mechanization, digital tools, AI, IoT, and precision farming. These insights will help farmers optimize inputs, improve productivity, and strengthen sustainability. The event reinforces Zuari’s commitment to driving knowledge sharing and innovation in the sugarcane sector.”
Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Zuari Industries (SPE Division) continues to champion innovation and collaboration in agriculture. Through such platforms, the company aims to strengthen the long-term efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of India’s sugarcane and sugar industry.
