Farming is no longer limited to soil, seeds, and sunshine—it involves sensors, satellites, and smart data today. The rise of agritech transforms traditional agriculture by integrating cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced data analytics.

These innovations, from precision farming to automated irrigation, make agriculture smarter, more efficient, and highly sustainable. Farmers can now monitor soil health in real-time, predict crop yields with AI-driven insights, and reduce waste through data-powered decision-making.

As the world faces climate change and food security challenges, agritech is creating a more resilient, productive, and future-ready farming industry. The question is no longer whether digital technology will reshape agriculture—it’s how fast we can embrace the change.

Affordable and innovative agricultural technologies have been successfully implemented in developing nations, helping farmers increase productivity, reduce costs, and ensure sustainability.

For example, India has made remarkable progress in agricultural technology, with several innovations that Bangladesh has yet to adopt on a large scale.

One such advancement is precision agriculture using AI and IoT, where companies like Fasal, CropIn, and DeHaat provide real-time crop health monitoring, soil analysis, and weather predictions. In contrast, Bangladesh has not been able to integrate such technologies due to high costs, limited digital infrastructure, and a lack of awareness among farmers.

Similarly, drone technology for farming has gained significant traction in India, with companies like Garuda Aerospace and IoTechWorld offering drones for pesticide spraying, crop mapping, and monitoring. AI and drone-based precision farming are becoming increasingly accessible. 

Low-cost drones used in Brazil and India help small farmers monitor crop health, while AI-powered soil testing kits provide instant insights into soil quality. These technologies make farming more efficient and profitable.

However, drone-based agriculture remains underdeveloped in Bangladesh due to regulatory restrictions and a lack of technical expertise. For example, the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) of the Planning Ministry also faced regulatory restrictions regarding drone usage.

The IMED usually monitors and evaluates development projects under the Annual Development Program, including agriculture projects, inspects field projects, and reports to the government. Officials could not fully utilize those drones due to various reasons, including administrative complexity regarding permissions and a lack of training.

Flying drones weighing more than five kilograms require the approval of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB). However, according to a report by The Daily Star, the IMED has still not obtained official permission from CAAB.

When they began training officials in the capital’s Agargaon, the IMED’s activities faced setbacks. Given the sensitive surroundings, including important establishments like the old airport, the Parliament Building, and the Gonobhaban, they were directed to relocate. Later, IMED officials were trained on the outskirts of Dhaka in Munshiganj and Purbachal.

If we consider the case of agri-product marketing, India is a great example due to its remarkable success with the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) platform. e-NAM is a pan-India online trading platform for agricultural commodities developed by Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (NFCL).

Launched on April 14, 2016, it aims to drive agricultural trade toward ensuring better prices for farmers by eliminating widespread trade malpractices in traditional marketplaces.

Through mobile and web applications, the platform helps farmers discover better prices and facilitates smooth product marketing. It provides information and services related to agricultural commodities and links Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across all states with online commodity trading. 

While farmers are the primary stakeholders, e-NAM also benefits traders, commission agents, and exporters by offering better business opportunities in a unified and extensive marketplace.

However, Bangladesh suffers from market manipulation, with allegations against middlemen and corrupt businesspeople. This issue is particularly crucial as the country has been struggling with high inflation recently. Developing a similar platform could change the scenario radically.

Like India, Brazil’s agricultural sector has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. In 2023, AI and agritech startups drove efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. AI-powered crop monitoring by companies like AgroIntelli improves crop health and pest detection, boosting soybean and corn yields by 15-20%.

Precision farming tools from Solinftec use IoT and weather forecasting to increase sugarcane and grain production by 25%. AI-based funding solutions from Traive enhance loan processing, improving farmers’ access to credit by 30%. Drone-based crop analysis and blockchain technology further optimize productivity, making Brazil a leader in tech-driven agriculture.

Africa’s agritech sector is also experiencing impressive growth. According to a report released last year by Disrupt-Africa, over USD 19 million has been invested in it, and the number of startups has increased by 110% during the same period.

From AI-driven tools that help farmers manage risks such as droughts, pests, and diseases to precision irrigation applications, Africa’s agritech sector is brimming with potential. Technologies such as soil testing, drone applications, micro-credit, and micro-insurance are increasing overall productivity across the continent.

Kenya and Nigeria lead the African agritech market, followed by Ghana, with the three countries collectively hosting over 60% of the continent’s agritech startups.

Another key area where Bangladesh lags is solar-powered cold storage and irrigation. Indian startups like Ecozen and SunCulture have successfully introduced cost-effective solar storage and irrigation solutions, significantly reducing post-harvest losses and water costs.

In Bangladesh, while solar irrigation projects exist, they are not yet widely accessible to small-scale farmers.

Similarly, mobile-based agri-advisory platforms such as Krishi Network, AgriBazaar, and Gramophone provide Indian farmers with AI-driven advice, market price updates, and financial support.

Although Bangladesh has some advisory services like the Krishi Call Center and mobile-based platforms, several startups—including iFarmer, Fashol.com, AgroShift, WeGro, InsureCow, Adorsho PraniSheba Limited, Agriventure Limited, Parmeeda Agribusiness Limited, Manu Farms, and Agronochain—have yet to reach their full potential.

Government support is essential to accelerate these initiatives and ensure their widespread implementation nationwide. While the country is losing a significant amount of arable land every year, tech-driven agriculture is the only way to meet increasing demand.