Chennai: IIT Madras has joined hands with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare to enhance Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources).

This initiative aims to digitalize the agricultural extension system, enabling farmers to access start-up-driven innovations in agriculture and allied sectors.

The project leverages the Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing at IIT Madras, along with its incubated start-up, YNOS Venture Engine, which has curated detailed information on 12,000 agriculture-focused start-ups.

The collaboration will integrate this data into the VISTAAR platform, empowering farmers to adopt innovative technologies and improve efficiency, productivity, and market access.

Prof. Thillai Rajan A., Head of the Centre, emphasized the role of start-ups in strengthening India's agricultural value chain, stating, “This collaboration bridges farmers and start-ups, significantly enhancing extension services.” Joint Secretary Samuel Praveen Kumar highlighted the importance of sustainable, climate-resilient farming through accessible AgriTech solutions.

The digitalization effort will expand outreach, offering farmers timely, accurate advisories on crop production, supply chains, and government schemes, creating a robust, tech-driven agricultural ecosystem.

This partnership underscores a commitment to transforming Indian agriculture through innovation and technology.