Millets take centrestage at Hyderabad’s conference on Sustainable Agricultural Startups

Hyderabad: Agricultural startups showcased sustainable farming solutions at the two-day National Conference on “Building Sustainable Agricultural Startups in India,” held at the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) in Hyderabad which began Tuesday. The event is focuing on the health benefits and environmental advantages of millets.

As more people are becoming diet-conscious and including millets in their regular diet, startups are developing innovative ways to promote their consumption. The Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR) has pioneered a process to convert millets into a rice-like form, making them more appealing to a wider audience.

“These millet-based alternatives can be cooked just like regular rice while retaining their nutritional benefits,” says Sreeja, spokesperson for IIMR Nutrihub.

Bengaluru-based start-up Bullwork Mobility is leading advancements in agricultural mechanization with electric vehicles. They presented an electric tractor, priced at Rs 10 lakh, that can run for six hours on a two-hour charge. The portable charger is also installed in the interior so that it does not stop in the middle of the field while the work is being done. “We aim to make it affordable for farmers through state government subsidies,” said company spokesperson Gunasree Jayappa.

APSI Startups, founded by Abhishek Savaranan and Karthik, has developed a remote-controlled weed removal machines, which can save farmers time and labor costs. The device operates through remote control, helping farmers manage weeds more efficiently.

To address the issue of post-harvest crop loss, Bidar-based Pequerel has developed the Advanced Adaptable Agriculture Support (A3S) system, a solar-powered system for drying fruits and vegetables while preserving their natural taste. “By harnessing solar energy, we provide an eco-friendly solution for farmers,” said Sandeep and Kiran from Pequerel.

Alongside the conference, an expo showcasing the innovations of 47 startups and 13 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) is underway. Among these, several startups are working to promote millets as a nutritious, sustainable alternative to traditional grains like rice.