DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge: INR 2.6 Crore Prize Aims to Revolutionize Agricultural Water Management
In an effort to combat India’s agricultural water crisis and secure the future of smallholder farmers, the DCM Shriram Foundation, in collaboration with The/Nudge Institute and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, has unveiled the 16 semi-finalists for the DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge. This groundbreaking competition seeks innovative solutions to address the critical issue of inadequate agricultural water management in India.
From a pool of 134 applicants, these 16 organizations have been selected to compete for a total prize fund of INR 2.6 crores. The top three finalists who achieve specific targets will share INR 60 lakh of the total prize money. The DCM Shriram AgWater Challenge is tackling a pressing concern: the rapid depletion of groundwater levels in India, which threatens to leave the country facing severe water scarcity by 2030.
With agriculture consuming a significant 78% of India’s freshwater supply, of which 62% is derived from groundwater, the need for innovative solutions to manage water resources efficiently is paramount. The challenge focuses on water-intensive crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton, which are vital to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.
The 16 AgWater Tech Innovators selected are working on a diverse range of solutions, including data-driven and smart irrigation systems, IoT-powered embedded hardware, a user-friendly Geo-AI platform for precise water management, portable moisture measurement probes, and advanced imaging technology. Some innovators are pioneering an “Irrigation-as-a-Service” model to provide affordable and equitable irrigation systems.
Aman Pannu, President of DCM Shriram Foundation, stressed the importance of water conservation in agriculture and the need for a deep understanding of the sector’s complexities. He expressed confidence in the innovative solutions developed by individuals and organizations, emphasizing their potential to address water challenges and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Kanishka Chatterjee, Director of The/Nudge Prize, highlighted the significance of focusing on specific challenges in the AgriWater sector. The initiative has attracted top professionals and organizations in AgTech by addressing complex issues. Over the next 10 months, participants aim to innovate and scale solutions for efficient water use and improving smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Chatterjee expressed gratitude to experts, partners, mentors, and advisors in the AgWater ecosystem and anticipated collaboration with the top 16 innovators to empower grassroots agriculture.
The 16 semi-finalist organizations have been selected to implement their projects and expand their solutions across various locations over the course of 10 months, with a rigorous evaluation process that considered factors such as relevance, impact, readiness, and affordability. The panel, consisting of 18 members from key partners and sector experts, meticulously curated this group from an initial pool of 134 applicants.
