Ciorise According to recent reports, Google Cloud has partnered with the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government to introduce the UP Open Network for Agriculture, leveraging its Gemini-powered, Beckn-enabled architecture.
This innovative open network aims to provide millions of farmers with a centralized platform offering essential services like advisory support, access to credit, mechanization, and market linkages to sell their produce effectively. The Gemini-powered agentic framework will drive adoption by offering farmers user-friendly access through voice commands in their native language. Currently, the platform supports Hindi, Bangla, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, and Punjabi, with plans to add more languages in 2025.
Designed as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), the network incorporates the Beckn Protocol, an open standard enabling seamless interoperability and decentralized discovery of products and services. It is integrated with Google Cloud’s DPI-in-a-box solution to deliver comprehensive support for farmers.
Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary of UP and Chief Coordinator of the State’s Diversified Agriculture Support Project, stated, “The Open Network for Agriculture is a significant initiative towards doubling farmers’ incomes in Uttar Pradesh. It offers timely and accurate information on micro-climates and market prices by integrating data from weather stations across almost every tehsil. This addresses the digital divide and empowers farmers with essential tools and resources.”
Enabling an Open and Decentralized Ecosystem
Highlighting the impact of this initiative, Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President and Country MD of Google Cloud India, noted, “UP is one of India’s largest agricultural states, contributing immensely to the nation’s food production. Technology plays a crucial role in advancing the state’s agricultural sector. With this Gemini-powered Open Network, the government has created an open, decentralized system for innovators to develop solutions benefiting farmers.”
Sujith Nair, CEO and co-founder of FIDE (Foundation for Interoperability in Digital Economy) and custodian of the Beckn Protocol added, “Beckn exemplifies how agri-commerce and advisory services can be open, decentralized, and beneficial to all stakeholders.”
The initiative represents a significant step forward in modernizing agricultural practices, providing equitable access to resources, and ensuring a brighter future for farmers in Uttar Pradesh.
