Bill Gates explores technology farming at banana plantation

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Microsoft co-founder and globally renowned entrepreneur Bill Gates visited Andhra Pradesh on Monday and toured a banana plantation at Undavalli along with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, highlighting the state’s growing emphasis on technology-driven agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

Bill Gates was accorded a traditional welcome upon his arrival at Undavalli. During the visit, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu showcased the advanced technologies being implemented by the Andhra Pradesh government to modernize the agricultural sector and improve farm productivity.

A live demonstration of drone technology in agriculture was organized at the banana farm, where drones were used to spray pesticides across the fields. Gates observed the process with keen interest, interacting with officials and gaining insights into how precision agriculture tools are being deployed to enhance efficiency while reducing manual labour and input costs.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh farmers are successfully balancing traditional agricultural practices with modern technological innovations. He noted that the adoption of advanced technologies has enabled farmers to improve crop management and productivity while ensuring sustainability.

“We shared with Mr. Gates how artificial intelligence is being used to provide farmers with precise advisories based on crop patterns, market prices, and soil characteristics,” the Chief Minister said. He added that the state government is actively promoting natural farming and sustainable agricultural methods as part of its long-term vision for resilient agriculture.

The visit underscored Andhra Pradesh’s push toward integrating artificial intelligence, drone technology, and sustainable farming practices to transform agriculture into a technology-enabled and future-ready sector.