The Wi-SUN Challenge concluded lately at the Smart City Living Lab of IIIT-Hyderabad. It serves as a shining example of innovation. It can yield transformative solutions to some critical issues. DBR Innovative Tech from Vijayawada was one of the standout participants. It has redefined the role of technology in agriculture with IoT-driven solution named “Farmer Voice.”
Agricultural sector forms the backbone of the economy in India. Innovation in farming is not just a necessity, but it is an imperative. “Farmer Voice” is a voice-enabled IoT solution and presents a groundbreaking approach by enabling farmers to interact with technology with the help of voice commands. Rural India has vast language diversity and digital divide often hampers the adoption of modern agricultural practices.
The competition witnessed a diverse range of projects such as solar panel maintenance, wireless metering, smart dustbins and real-time air quality monitoring. The focus on agriculture is timely and significant. The “Farmer Voice” demonstrates that IoT can have a profound impact on rural economies.
The Wi-SUN Challenge brought together more than 266 submissions and highlights the growing realization that agriculture and smart city solutions are not mutually exclusive. The two should coexist in the drive toward sustainable development. Smart city technology is often criticized for being urban-focused. Solutions like “Farmer Voice” reveal that innovations can benefit rural communities as well.
It is the call of the time for policymakers to take notice of such solutions. The agricultural IoT solution means something more valuable. It is to support a future where technology can become a trusted partner for farmers.
