Nadella Praises Sharad Pawar-Led Initiative for Leveraging AI to Support Farmers

Satya Nadella Commends Sharad Pawar-Led ADT for Pioneering Use of AI to Support Farmers

On Wednesday, Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, offered high praise to the Agricultural Development Trust (ADT) of Baramati, Maharashtra, for its forward-thinking use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to empower farmers and improve agricultural productivity.

In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Nadella expressed his admiration, stating, "It was a pleasure meeting the team at ADT Baramati today, who are utilizing our AI tools to help farmers grow healthier, more sustainable harvests. It's inspiring to see how technology is being harnessed to make a real difference in agriculture."

The recognition from Nadella was warmly welcomed by former Union agriculture minister and ADT founder Sharad Pawar. In response, Pawar took to X, expressing his gratitude for the acknowledgment. He stated, "Thank you @satyanadella for highlighting the benefits of AI for agriculture. At ADT Baramati, we are dedicated to bringing the latest technologies to farmers, enabling them to access tools that can significantly enhance their productivity and sustainability. We look forward to collaborating with Microsoft to ensure that these advanced technologies are put to the best possible use, empowering farmers and ensuring they thrive."

The Agricultural Development Trust was founded in 1968 by Sharad Pawar and his elder brother, Appasaheb Pawar, with the aim of improving agricultural practices and fostering educational development in the region. Over the years, ADT has spearheaded a number of initiatives designed to tackle local agricultural challenges. One of its early and significant efforts included the construction of percolation tanks in the drought-prone areas of Baramati tehsil in Pune district. This initiative was vital in ensuring a stable water supply for both drinking and irrigation, addressing a critical need in an area frequently affected by water scarcity.

Under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, ADT Baramati has remained steadfast in its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into the agricultural sector, ensuring that farmers have access to the tools and knowledge they need to face the challenges of modern farming. The partnership with Microsoft is seen as a step toward strengthening this commitment, as AI continues to transform agriculture by improving crop yields, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting farmers with data-driven insights to optimize their farming practices.