CGC Landran leads AI-driven Agripreneurship initiative to accelerate rural innovation in Punjab
Chandigarh, 18 May 2026- Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Landran, through its Department of RISE and ACIC RISE, is driving a structured agripreneurship initiative aimed at addressing critical challenges in Punjab’s agriculture while strengthening the state’s emerging startup ecosystem. In response to concerns such as groundwater depletion, soil degradation, rising input costs and declining farm profitability, the institution has developed a multi-phase program focused on promoting sustainable, technology-enabled farming practices aligned with regional agro-climatic conditions.
The initiative began with a seminar titled ‘Convergence of AI in Agripreneurship: A Capacity Building Session for National Development,’ which engaged 25 farmers from multiple villages across Punjab. The session introduced participants to alternative cultivation models, with a focus on Dragon fruit farming as a low-water, high-value crop. Experts shared practical insights on cultivation techniques, investment requirements, production cycles, and market potential. The role of artificial intelligence in agriculture was also highlighted, particularly in enabling farmers to assess crop quality, track demand trends, and access wider digital markets for improved price realization.
Building on this foundation, the next phase was conducted in village Hansali Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib, in collaboration with DroneTech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. The field-based program on ‘Drone Enabled (AI) Precision Farming for Dragon Fruit Cultivation’, provided hands-on training in plantation design, drip irrigation systems, soil health management and optimal sowing practices. Live demonstrations of drone-based crop surveying and precision spraying illustrated how advanced technologies can enhance productivity, optimize resource use and reduce input costs, supporting more efficient and sustainable farming.
The initiative now moves toward its third phase, focused on incubating farmers and aspiring agripreneurs who participated in the earlier sessions. Through mentorship, technical guidance, and access to innovation infrastructure, CGC Landran aims to enable the transition from traditional farming to scalable agribusiness models, thereby contributing to the development of a resilient and technology-driven startup ecosystem in Punjab.
Dr. Neha Sharma, Dean Research, CGC Landran, said, “Our objective is to build a practical and scalable model of agripreneurship that integrates sustainability with emerging technologies. By equipping farmers with the right knowledge, tools and incubation support, we are enabling them to become future-ready agripreneurs and active contributors to Punjab’s startup ecosystem.”
Dr. Rajdeep Singh, Campus Director, CGC Landran added, “This initiative reflects our commitment to bridging academia, innovation and grassroots communities. By fostering technology-led agricultural entrepreneurship, we are creating a replicable model that supports rural livelihoods while strengthening the broader startup ecosystem in the state.”