19NOVEMBER, 2025Susheel engaged in a conversation with the Industry Outlook magazine to answer queries on the growth trajectory and future developments in the Indian agriculture sector. He comes from a hard-core sales and marketing strategy background and has been associated with Syngenta for over fourteen years. Kumar completed an MBA in Agribusiness from Symbiosis Institute of International Business and bachelor's degree in Agriculture Operations and Related Sciences from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University.INDUSTRY INSIGHTSMAPPING THE GROWTH TRAJECTORY OF THE INDIAN AGRICULTURE SECTORGiven the rapid advancements in agriculture, could you provide an overview of how these developments are shaping the future of agriculture in India?The agricultural & allied sector, estimated to constitute 18 percent of India's GVA in FY24, is the bedrock of the nation's economy providing employment to over 50 percent of the workforce. Despite challenges posed by the global health crisis and variability in climate conditions, the sector has demonstrated remarkable tenacity and resilience, contributing significantly to India's economic recovery and development. With advancement in technology, adoption of science-based agriculture, government's focus and enabling policies, agricultural production has grown significantly, transforming India into a self-sufficient nation and a net exporter of key agricultural products.Research, technological improvements, and protected cultivation techniques are playing a crucial role. Companies are engaging to offer innovative products, including improved seeds, fertilizers, crop protection chemicals, customized farm machinery, and animal feed at competitive prices. Rapid adoption of scale neutral technologies will be pivotal in developing environment-friendly, disease-resistant, climate-resilient, and nutritionally enriched crop varieties for the over 86 percent of smallholder farmers in the country.Precision farming, enabled by soil testing-based decisions, artificial intelligence, sensors, and drones, will revolutionize agriculture. Small and marginal farmers will gain access to these technologies through collaborations with private players, government initiatives, or farmer-producer organizations (FPOs). Smartphones facilitate the use of GPS technology, drones, robots, and other advanced devices, making farming more profitable, efficient, and environmentally friendly. But all these need to be cost-competitive for rapid adoption.India's improved digital connectivity has opened new avenues for farmers, enabling them to be more aware and connected with various stakeholders. The increasing number of internet users and the government's efforts to leverage digital technology will enhance information sharing, generate awareness among farmers, and facilitate direct transfers of government schemes.The private sector is also introducing cutting-edge technologies and promoting collaborations in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode to further benefit the smallholder farmers in India.Precision agriculture and IoT technologies being increasingly integrated into farming practices worldwide, how do you envision the role of these technologies in enhancing productivity and sustainability in Indian agriculture?The Indian agriculture market is currently represented by issues such as low productivity, fragmented landholdings, and inefficient supply chains. Though government is supportive of the technology and farmers are welcoming, however, the implementation of appropriate technology needs to improve Susheel Kumar, Country Head & Managing DirectorSusheel Kumar, Country Head & Managing Director, Syngenta India
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