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The rapidly growing agritech sector in India is set to provide 60,000 to 80,000 new employment opportunities over the next five years, according to TeamLease Services’ Chief Strategy Officer, Subburathinam P.
A Revolutionary Transformation in Agriculture
Agritech, a sector that integrates technology with farming, is revolutionising every aspect of agriculture. From advanced irrigation systems and better access to fertilizers and pesticides to cutting-edge machinery and market linkages for selling produce, agritech is transforming farming practices.
Subburathinam elaborated on the sector’s impact, stating, “Agritech addresses every aspect of farming, from water irrigation advancements for seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides to offering access to advanced farm machinery and market linkages for selling produce.” Additionally, he highlighted the importance of real-time advisory services such as climate forecasts, pest and disease predictions, and irrigation alerts, which help farmers make informed decisions and boost their productivity.
A Growing Job Market
The agritech sector, currently employing around 100,000 people across various technical, operational, and managerial roles, is set for a significant expansion. “In the five years, the sector is expected to generate 60-80K new job opportunities,” Subburathinam said, noting that the new roles will span across fields like artificial intelligence, technology, supply chain management, and sustainable farming solutions.
He added that most agritech jobs are not seasonal, as the sector emphasizes continuous innovation, operational support, and analytics. For seasonal roles such as crop monitoring during sowing and harvesting, employees often switch to other duties like data analysis, equipment maintenance, or upskilling in the off-season.
Hybrid and On-Ground Roles in High Demand
Agritech offers a blend of hybrid and on-the-ground job opportunities. While roles in software development, data analytics, and management are often remote, positions such as machine operators, field technicians, and agronomists require employees to be physically present to assist farmers and monitor field activities.
These job opportunities are more prevalent in agriculture-heavy states such as Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram are emerging as hubs for agritech startups, providing numerous jobs in development and management.
Technology’s Role in Agricultural Growth
While advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) contribute significantly to agricultural improvements, the focus remains on creating practical and accessible tools for farmers. Subburathinam stated, “By connecting them to better resources and opportunities, agritech is revolutionising agriculture, particularly for smallholder farmers, ensuring higher yields, lower costs, and sustainable growth.”
A Booming Market
According to a report by EY, the agritech sector in India presents a USD 24 billion opportunity, although it remains largely untapped, with just 1.5% market penetration. With around 450 agritech startups in India as of 2022, and a year-on-year growth rate of 25%, the sector is poised for further expansion, offering a wealth of opportunities for both farmers and job seekers alike.
