Networking In Agriculture

The agricultural industry is undergoing a massive evolution, compounded by the need to adapt to a changing climate, labor shortages, and other unpredictable conditions that can impact crop yield and have long-term implications for our environment and food security.   Precision agriculture (PA) is transforming the future of farming, making work more efficient with autonomous machinery and robotic systems, using sensors and drones to monitor soil health and predict weather conditions, and enabling rapid analysis of this data to inform critical, real-time decision making. Despite its enormous potential, some barriers remain that impact PA adoption. One is the obvious challenge of connectivity, which can be particularly tricky in rural or remote areas with little digital infrastructure. Another top concern for farmers cited in a recent study is data privacy (https://lnkd.in/grmf-MKq).   Edge computing is all about bringing new solutions to challenging scenarios. Farming is the perfect use case for solutions like Azure Private MEC and Azure Private 5G Core. Private MEC brings compute power directly to the farm, enabling reliable connectivity and on-site data analytics that support automation capabilities, optimize resource utilization, and provide real-time insights to increase operational efficiency and productivity. And with Private 5G, farmers and frontline workers can communicate effectively within their own reliable network while keeping private data secure.   Ubiquitous computing is powering innovation that will make agriculture more connected, more productive, and more sustainable. The future of farming is at the edge!   #AzurePrivateMEC #5G #EdgeComputing #FutureOfCloud #ModernConnectedApps #PrecisionAgriculture  

🚁📡 Connected Drones Meet AI-on-RAN: Unlocking Intelligent, Secure, and Scalable UAV Operations As the skies grow more connected, so too must the intelligence of our networks. Enter Connected Drones powered by AI-on-RAN—a cutting-edge use case that combines Software Defined Radio (SDR), Cognitive Radio (CR), and real-time AI/ML analytics at the edge of the telecom network. SDR is a flexible radio technology that replaces fixed RF components with reconfigurable software, allowing a single radio system to operate across multiple frequencies, waveforms, and protocols. CR builds on this by adding real-time environmental awareness. Together, it forms the nervous system of a truly adaptive UAV, enabling: ✔️ Real-time spectrum sensing ✔️ Dynamic spectrum access ✔️ Modulation and power control on the fly ✔️ Proactive response to signal degradation or jamming 🔐 Security First: Why this matters for drone missions Drones face growing risks from jamming, spoofing, RF congestion, and adversarial interference—especially in defense, critical infrastructure, and high-value logistics. By combining SDR/CR on the drone with AI-powered spectrum analysis in the AI-RAN, drones gain resilience against jamming. 🧠 AI-on-RAN in Action The real magic happens when SDR/CR-enabled drones interface with AI-RAN: The drone transmits real-time RF spectrum data (e.g., spectrograms, RSSI, interference signatures). The AI-RAN runs convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to: • Detect and classify interference • Predict spectrum availability • Recommend optimal channel/power/modulation settings Optimized control signals are then sent back to the drone—ensuring always-on, always-optimal connectivity. All of this happens in milliseconds, thanks to AI inference manager running at the network edge, exemplifying the AI-on-RAN paradigm: 🌾 Real-world use case: Smart Farming In agriculture, drones survey crop health, manage irrigation, and detect pests over vast fields. But rural areas often lack uniform 5G coverage—and radio interference from weather, terrain, or equipment can break the link. AI-on-RAN ensures: 📸 Reliable HD video/data streaming from drone to edge 🌐 Seamless transitions across spectrum and coverage zones 🛰️ Secure telemetry even in spectrum-polluted regions 📊 Predictive optimization of spectrum usage—reducing retries and boosting mission efficiency 🚀 The future of UAV connectivity is autonomous, adaptive, and AI-driven. Connected Drones as an AI-on-RAN use case not only improve coverage, reliability, and power efficiency—they redefine how drones interact with the network, bringing intelligence to the air, the edge, and beyond. 🔗 Learn more via the AI-RAN Alliance: https://ai-ran.org And don't miss the first Call for Proposal opportunity from the AI-RAN Alliance: https://lnkd.in/eF9qUnwG #AIonRAN #ConnectedDrone #SDR #CognitiveRadio #DroneSecurity #SmartFarming #AI4RAN #AIonEdge #5G #6G #UAVInnovation

Venture capital in 2025 is doubling down on fundamentals: agri-inputs, precision farming, and rural fintech. Globally, agtech secured $1.6B across 137 deals in Q1 2025. That’s a slight dip in value (3.7%) and deal count (24.7%) vs Q4 2024 but the median deal size rose to $4.4M from $3.2M, and pre-money valuations jumped from $15.1M to $20M. It’s no longer about spray-and-pray. It’s a flight to quality. India’s resilience stands out. Between FY22 and FY25, $2.6B was deployed across 340 agtech deals, with an average size of $7M. And 70% of this capital flowed into B2B/B2C market linkage platforms, businesses that directly connect farmers with markets, removing inefficiencies and middlemen. Agri-inputs is one area attracting real attention. Traditional supply chains were fragmented and opaque. Today, startups are building digital-first input platforms that offer AI-led crop recommendations, connect farmers directly to manufacturers, and integrate with broader farm management tools. This not only improves access and affordability but also paves the way for precision farming convergence. Speaking of which, precision farming is booming. The global market is valued at $8.4B in 2025, projected to reach $36.9B by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 17.9%. The tech stack: IoT, GPS, AI, 5G, and predictive analytics is now mature. Whether it’s AI-driven crop health monitoring, smart irrigation, or agricultural drones (a market set to touch $10.45B by 2030), the ROI for farmers is becoming hard to ignore. Then comes the quiet disruptor: rural fintech. In Q1 2025 alone, Indian fintech raised $461M, with lending making up 30% of total inflows. But what’s really interesting is how alternative credit scoring is unlocking financing for underserved agri communities. Platforms are using farm output data and transaction histories, bypassing traditional collateral models. Combine that with UPI penetration in villages and emerging blockchain-based agri-finance models, and rural fintech suddenly looks like one of the most bankable bets. And the timing couldn’t be better. Investors are under increasing pressure to align with ESG and climate-smart agriculture. From ESG-linked loans verified by satellite to sustainability tokens on blockchain, capital is finally syncing with purpose. Even multilaterals and governments are stepping in. ₹500 Cr has been requested by agri-fintech players to scale inclusion-focused rural services. This isn’t just a wave, it’s a reset. One where investor interest is no longer driven by novelty, but by hard metrics: profitability, scalability, and impact. The intersection of tech, data, and financial inclusion is where the future of farming is being built. If you’re building something in this space or investing in it, this is your moment.

Revolutionizing Food Security: The Power of Public-Private Partnerships to build strategic food buffers!! In the face of unprecedented challenges to food security, India stands at a crossroads. With a population of over 1.4 billion, ensuring access to food for all is a monumental task. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in our food supply chain, leading to a critical need for innovative solutions. One path forward that demands our attention is the establishment of strong public-private partnerships (PPPs) to transform the procurement, storage, and distribution of food commodities. The Current Landscape: In recent years, India has faced a trifecta of challenges: 1. Low Food Contingency Buffers: Our strategic reserves of food grains are at critically low levels, leaving us vulnerable to supply shocks and price volatility. This puts the food security of millions at risk. 2. Government Efforts: The government has undertaken a massive endeavor, distributing free food to approximately 800 million people for the past three years and intends to continue doing it over the next few years under various welfare schemes. While commendable, this has strained existing distribution systems. 3. Climate-Related Impacts: The unpredictability of climate patterns has taken a toll on agriculture, affecting crop yields and supply chains. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, threaten food production. The PPP Solution to build robust food buffers: Public-private partnerships hold immense potential in addressing these challenges head-on: 1. Efficient Procurement: By involving private players in food procurement, we can leverage their expertise, resources, and technology to streamline the process. This can help build and maintain adequate food reserves more effectively. 2. Modernized Storage Facilities: Collaboration with private enterprises can facilitate the construction of modern storage facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology to reduce food wastage, ensure quality, and prolong shelf life. 3. Enhanced Distribution Networks: Private sector participation can improve the last-mile delivery of food commodities, ensuring timely access to those in need, even in remote areas. 4. Risk Mitigation: The private sector can provide better solutions to shield the government from various market related risks. Challenges and Opportunities: Creating successful PPPs in the food sector will require addressing several challenges, including aligning incentives, ensuring fair market practices, and establishing regulatory frameworks. However, the potential benefits, including increased food security, reduced waste, and improved farmer incomes, are well worth the effort. #UnclutterFoodAgriculture

🌱 How collaboration and partnerships are transforming African agriculture This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jennifer Baarn, Head of Partnerships at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an African-led initiative founded by the late Kofi Annan to empower smallholder farmers across the continent. As Head of Partnerships, she had much to teach me about the importance of farmers building relationships with key stakeholders throughout the entire value chain. Jennifer discussed several challenges facing farmers that will be familiar to many: limited access to education, the struggle to secure funding, market fragmentation resulting in scarce access to essential resources, and the considerable distances farmers often have to travel to sell their produce 🚚. However, one challenge she mentioned was particularly striking to me: young Africans often don’t want to be farmers, and furthermore, population growth is increasing demand for food. Often data on demographics and production in rural areas isn’t available in the first place to begin addressing these challenges, she tells me.📊. This is where AGRA’s data-driven projects come in. AGRA collaborates with governments and other agencies to conduct 'ecosystem mapping' 🗺️ in specific countries, identifying the factors that are preventing young people in particular from becoming agri-entrepreneurs. In addition, AGRA collaborates with governments to design 'flagship programmes'  that specifically address the needs of rural youth, supporting them in launching their own agricultural ventures 🌱. Their programmes are committed to fostering youth and women’s engagement by implementing quotas; for instance, many programmes mandate that 40% of beneficiaries must be women. In addition, Jennifer shared how AGRA's initiatives facilitate deal-making by directly connecting entrepreneurs with financial institutions 💼, effectively addressing the capital access issue that plagues underdeveloped regions💡. This was a fascinating discussion with a seasoned industry leader and holds valuable lessons and insights for individuals beyond the agricultural space. 🔗 click the link in the comment below for the full interview, and don’t forget to listen to more exceptional stories in our Unlocking Africa Podcast collection 🎧⬇️. 🌍🌿 #Agriculture #YouthEmpowerment #AfricanAgriculture #AGRA #SmallholderFarmers #Podcast #Podcasting

#The_Future_of_Pomegranate_Farming: Collaboration Over Competition Traditionally, pomegranate farming was limited to a few select farmers who closely guarded their knowledge and techniques. There was little to no exchange of experiences, and any new agricultural input was kept secret. Farmers would even destroy pesticide bottles after use to prevent competitors from knowing their strategies. This secrecy had consequences. New farmers hesitated to enter pomegranate farming due to its perceived high costs and risks. Existing farmers would often discourage newcomers by highlighting challenges—yet they themselves continued expanding their orchards. Those who did take the plunge, often fell victim to poor guidance, leading to financial losses and ultimately, crop abandonment within a few years. A New Era: Collective Growth and Knowledge Sharing In the past few years, social media and farmer networks have transformed pomegranate farming. Today, educated and young farmers are joining forces, forming local groups, exchanging knowledge, and verifying agricultural practices collectively. Farmers now travel together to exhibitions, evaluate new techniques, and implement proven methods as a group. This transparency has helped reduce unnecessary costs while ensuring higher productivity and profitability. No longer is information hoarded—it is now shared freely, leading to better decision-making on fertilizers, pesticides, machinery, planting material, and expert guidance. The results are clear: a more structured, sustainable, and profitable farming model. Our Commitment to Farmer Empowerment I have been fortunate to contribute to this movement by guiding farmers, connecting them with resources, and helping them adopt best practices. Meeting groups of farmers and addressing their queries in one go ensures that everyone gets accurate and actionable information. If similar knowledge-sharing efforts extend to market access, sales strategies, and value addition, agriculture can become even more lucrative—on par with, or even exceeding, high-paying corporate jobs. A New Farmer Collective in Belapur, Shrirampur Yesterday marked the formation of a new pomegranate farmer group in Belapur, Shrirampur. In an area traditionally dominated by sugarcane and onion cultivation, 20-25 farmers have taken the bold step of planting pomegranates. Under the leadership of Shri Pramod Musmade, this initiative has begun, and I had the privilege of providing a full-day guidance session. Moving forward, these farmers will receive monthly support to ensure success. With the right approach, black soil can also yield thriving pomegranate orchards. The goal is simple—maximize per-acre profitability while ensuring sustainable farming practices. This is just the beginning. Together, we can reshape Indian agriculture. Sushant Hiralal Surve Pomegranate Farmer Pomegranate Farming Advisor Sangamner #PomegranateFarming #FarmerEmpowerment #KnowledgeSharing #ResidueFreeFarming

Imagine being in a remote area with no signal—unable to make a call, send a message, or access the internet. For years, this has been a frustrating reality for millions of Indians. However, a new government initiative has now turned this challenge into an opportunity for transformation. The recently launched Inter-Circle Roaming (ICR) Facility enables users of telecom giants like Jio, Airtel, and BSNL to access 4G services through any available network, even if their own provider lacks coverage in a particular area. This breakthrough means that no matter where you are in India, you’ll remain connected, breaking the barriers of network limitations. Why This Is a Game-Changer 1. Empowering Rural and Remote Areas India’s vast geography includes regions where network coverage has traditionally been sparse. Farmers, healthcare workers, and students in these areas often face challenges accessing digital services. With the ICR facility, connectivity gaps are bridged, ensuring digital inclusion even in the remotest corners of the country. 2. A Lifesaver in Emergencies In times of crisis—natural disasters, medical emergencies, or accidents—lack of communication can cost lives. With the ability to use alternative networks, this initiative ensures that help is always just a call away. 3. Boosting Business Continuity For professionals and businesses, uninterrupted communication is critical. This facility not only ensures seamless connectivity during travel but also enhances productivity and operational efficiency. 4. Strengthening Digital India’s Vision This initiative aligns perfectly with the Digital India mission, fostering a more connected and digitally empowered society. It reflects a commitment to making India a leader in telecommunications innovation and ensuring equitable access to technology. The Technology Behind It The ICR facility leverages advanced network-sharing mechanisms, allowing telecom providers to collaborate instead of competing in areas with low signal coverage. It’s a fine example of how public and private sectors can join hands to create a win-win situation for everyone. A Step Towards Network Democracy Connectivity is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. By enabling users to access multiple networks without additional costs, this initiative levels the playing field for all telecom users. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote village, you now have the assurance of staying connected. What This Means for the Future This is just the beginning. As 5G technology becomes more mainstream, such collaborations and innovations will be key to making India one of the most connected nations in the world. Imagine a future where your device automatically switches to the best available network without you even noticing—and that future starts now. #DigitalIndia #ConnectivityForAll #TelecomInnovation #IndiaRising #SeamlessNetwork

🌾💡 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗟𝗘, 𝗣𝗔𝘄𝗥, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗪𝗦 𝗜𝗼𝗧 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗽 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴! 🌾 We hear a lot about IoT in agriculture, but have you heard of PAwR (Periodic Advertising with Responses)? It’s a game-changing feature of Bluetooth Low Energy that deserves way more attention. Here’s why: 👉 𝗨𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗮-𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: PAwR lets BLE sensors send data at regular intervals while sipping minimal power, making them perfect for remote fields. 👉 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Need to connect hundreds or even thousands of sensors across your farm? PAwR handles that effortlessly without draining batteries or causing data congestion. 👉 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: Despite being ultra-efficient, PAwR keeps data flowing smoothly, giving farmers timely insights to make smart decisions. 👉 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: The ability to use Coded PHY with PAwR makes it even more compelling for long-range outdoor use cases. 💡 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗔𝗴: 1️⃣ 𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝚂𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚘𝚛𝚜: PAwR powers our soil moisture and climate sensors, ensuring they run for years without needing new batteries. 2️⃣ 𝙲𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚕 𝙶𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚠𝚊𝚢: Manages sensor data efficiently and sends it to AWS IoT Core for analysis. 3️⃣ 𝙰𝚆𝚂 𝙸𝚘𝚃 𝙲𝚘𝚛𝚎: Turns that data into actionable insights, like when to irrigate or adjust farming practices. 🚀 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: • Conserve Resources: Less water wasted, more efficient crop management. • Lower Costs: Fewer battery replacements and less maintenance. • Bigger Yields: Healthier crops with data-driven precision. 🔗 Curious about how PAwR transforms agriculture? Check out the infographic for more details! 👉 PAwR might be underrated now, but it’s the future of efficient IoT! Have you used it or thought about it for your projects? Let me know in the comments 👇 CC: Bluetooth SIG #IoT #SmartFarming #BLE #PAwR #AWSIoT #AgTech #Innovation

The most overlooked currency in agriculture isn't what you think. It's not collateral. It's not credit scores. It's the transaction data farmers generate every day. And it's starting to reshape rural finance. For years, skilled farmers have been excluded from credit systems. Not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked formal histories. Meanwhile, every input purchase and crop sale was quietly telling a different story. That story is now coming into focus. A farmer who buys on time and sells in cycles shows more about creditworthiness than any score. These are living credit trails. More accurate. More fair. Lenders are responding. Credit lines adjust with harvest volumes. Insurance payouts are triggered by rainfall data. Stored grain becomes a tradeable asset through digital receipts. This is not a small step forward. It's a full reset. When real-time mandi prices, satellite yields, and harvest logistics start to connect, systems flow and farmer margins grow. The change is already happening. The real question is whether we make it inclusive. Full thoughts in Krishi Jagran - https://lnkd.in/gfqWBAG3 #KrishiJagran #AgriFinance #Credit #Aryaag #CreditSystems

𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙤𝙍𝙖𝙒𝘼𝙉 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 In an age where connectivity and data reign supreme, LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) stands out as a pivotal technology reshaping various industries. Here’s why it’s essential and how integrating AI can unlock its full potential. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐑𝐚𝐖𝐀𝐍 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥: 1. Extended Range: LoRaWAN enables data transmission over several kilometers, making it ideal for both urban and rural applications. This extensive coverage is unmatched by traditional Wi-Fi and cellular networks. 2. Energy Efficiency: With low power consumption, devices can run on a single battery for up to a decade. This makes it perfect for long-term deployments without frequent maintenance. 3. Scalability: Supporting a vast number of devices within a single network, LoRaWAN is suitable for massive IoT implementations. 4. Cost-Effective: Utilizing license-free sub-gigahertz bands keeps deployment costs low, making it accessible for various use cases. 5. Global Standard: As an open standard maintained by the LoRa Alliance, it ensures interoperability and security across different applications and industries. 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: - Smart Agriculture: Monitoring soil moisture, crop health, and livestock locations to optimize farming practices. - Smart Cities: Managing street lighting, waste collection, and environmental sensors to create more efficient urban environments. - Environmental Monitoring: Tracking air quality, water levels, and weather conditions for proactive environmental management. - Smart Metering: Automated reading of water, gas, and electricity meters to improve efficiency and accuracy. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐨𝐑𝐚𝐖𝐀𝐍: 1. Predictive Maintenance: AI algorithms can analyze data from LoRaWAN-enabled sensors to predict equipment failures before they happen, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. 2. Smart Decision-Making: AI can process large datasets collected via LoRaWAN to provide actionable insights, such as optimizing irrigation in agriculture or managing traffic flow in smart cities. 3. Enhanced Security: AI can help detect anomalies and security threats in the data transmission, ensuring a secure network. 4. Personalized Services: In smart homes and healthcare, AI can utilize data from LoRaWAN devices to tailor services to individual needs, such as customizing energy usage or monitoring patient health. LoRaWAN, combined with the power of AI, offers a future where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives, making systems smarter, more efficient, and responsive. Whether it’s making our cities smarter, our farms more productive, or our environment more sustainable, the synergy of LoRaWAN and AI holds immense promise. Used videos sources: https://lnkd.in/dy_A7E2i https://lnkd.in/dqwUqWwX