Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): Silicon Valley-based technology company FarmX has proposed an investment of Rs 1,000 crore to establish an advanced agri-tech manufacturing and export hub in Odisha, with a focus on autonomous electric tractors, artificial intelligence, robotics and precision farming.
Pic Credit: x.com/KVSinghDeo1
A FarmX delegation led by Chief Operating Officer Premal Ashar and Head of AI Lalit Bhatt met Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, along with Additional Chief Secretary, Electronics & Information Technology, Vishal Kumar Dev, on Saturday to discuss the proposed project.
Manufacturing Hub Planned
Under the proposal, FarmX plans to develop a state-of-the-art manufacturing campus in Odisha that could produce up to 1,000 autonomous electric tractors and 1 lakh field-sensing units annually.
The proposed facility is intended to cater to both Indian and overseas markets, positioning Odisha as a potential base for the company's advanced agricultural technology operations.
The project is also expected to generate around 1,120 direct jobs and 3,700 indirect employment opportunities, with a significant focus on specialised technology and engineering roles.
Smart Farming Technology
Alongside manufacturing, FarmX has proposed a smart precision-farming initiative based on its FarmMap platform.
The open-architecture system combines satellite imagery, OSMO soil-moisture sensors and a regional-language mobile application in Odia to provide farmers with real-time information on field conditions.
The technology is designed to support more efficient irrigation and improve the use of fertilisers and pesticides by providing data-driven insights for farm management.
Odisha Focuses on Emerging Technologies
Singh Deo said Odisha is working to attract investment in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and electric mobility.
He highlighted the state's efforts to promote advanced technologies, create high-skilled employment opportunities and support productivity improvements in agriculture.
The FarmX proposal is currently under consideration by the Odisha government. If approved, the project would seek to leverage the state's industrial infrastructure and policy ecosystem while serving both domestic and international markets.
