Digital innovation for sustainable agriculture: Krishi Updates leads the way

Amid the rugged landscapes of India’s Himalayan region, a grassroots digital revolution is preparing to take centre stage at one of the world’s most prestigious forums. Krishi Updates, a pioneering initiative that has already transformed agriculture for marginalised mountain communities, will be showcased at the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This global recognition follows its selection as a top 20 finalist for the 2024 UNDP SDG Digital Game Changers Award, where it was honoured in the Pioneer category — celebrating young innovators and youth-led organisations accelerating progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Conceived by Hitul Awasthi, a member of the Mountain Youth Hub and Access Agriculture Ambassador, Krishi Updates emerged from a deep need to support Himalayan farmers facing climate volatility, geographic isolation and a stark digital divide. The platform’s strategy is rooted in accessibility: using basic smartphones and messaging apps, it delivers vital agricultural information in local dialects. From voice alerts on weather changes to video tutorials on sustainable farming, the content is tailored to reach even those with minimal digital literacy.

Krishi Updates goes beyond information sharing. It serves as a dynamic conduit for knowledge exchange, partnering with organisations like Access Agriculture to localise expert agronomic practices. Farmers receive training in organic farming, soil and water conservation and climate adaptation techniques, building resilience in the face of increasingly erratic weather. Crucially, the platform also drives economic empowerment by connecting farmers directly with buyers, offering real-time market prices and reducing dependence on middlemen. This ensures fairer profits for those who cultivate the land.

For CEO Hitul Awasthi, the global spotlight is a powerful affirmation of the platform’s community-first ethos. “This recognition further motivates us to work for empowering rural communities digitally,” he said. “It validates our belief that technology, when applied with empathy and local understanding, can rescue the Global Goals and create tangible change from the ground up.”

The journey culminates on Saturday, September 27, 2025, when Krishi Updates will be featured at Digital@UNGA, an event co-hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNDP. This gathering aims to foster global digital cooperation, bringing together leaders, innovators and civil society to explore how technology can drive inclusive development.

The inclusion of Krishi Updates is more than a celebration of one initiative — it marks a shift in the global sustainability narrative. It underscores the leadership of India’s youth in harnessing simple, scalable technology to uplift vulnerable communities. From the Himalayan foothills to the halls of the UN, Krishi Updates exemplifies how transformative solutions often rise from the grassroots, ready to inspire a global movement toward resilience and equity.