Bhubaneswar: Silicon Valley-based technology company FarmX has submitted a ₹1,000-crore investment proposal to the Odisha government aimed at establishing the state as a manufacturing and export centre for autonomous electric tractors, artificial intelligence software, robotics and intelligent farm systems.
A delegation led by FarmX Chief Operating Officer Premal Ashar and Head of AI Lalit Bhatt met Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who holds the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy portfolios. Additional Chief Secretary (Electronics and Information Technology) Vishal Kumar Dev was also present.
KV said Odisha is actively drawing global innovators in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and electric mobility to create high-skilled employment for local youth while raising agricultural productivity.
According to an official release, the proposed project combines a modern manufacturing campus with a precision-farming programme. It is expected to generate up to 1,120 direct jobs and 3,700 indirect jobs in specialised technology roles, with an annual production target of 1,000 autonomous electric tractors and one lakh field-sensing units for domestic and export markets.
FarmX plans to introduce its FarmMap open-architecture platform, which uses satellite imagery, patented OSMO soil-moisture sensors and a mobile application in Odia to supply real-time farm data and automated irrigation advice, helping farmers optimise water, fertiliser and pesticide use, it added.
Officials indicated the proposal is under active discussion and that the state is prepared to provide infrastructure, policy support and market linkages to facilitate the investment.
