IMC 2026 Ends with Focus on Agri-AI and 5G Automation
IMC 2026 concludes with a massive focus on agricultural AI, 5G automation, and rural connectivity to drive inclusive digital growth in India.
The 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 concluded on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in India's journey toward becoming a global leader in telecommunications. Under the powerful theme 'Scale Without Boundaries', the four-day event shifted the spotlight from mere technology deployment to the practical application of artificial intelligence in agriculture, 5G network automation, and bridging the digital divide in rural India.
Revolutionizing Farming with Agricultural AI
One of the most critical discussions during the closing sessions was the Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems Meeting, held in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The consensus among experts was clear: technology must serve the person on the ground.
Dr. Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy Director of the ITU's Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, emphasized that agricultural AI should not just be about technical complexity. Instead, it must focus on solving the actual, everyday problems faced by farmers. He noted that for these technologies to truly scale, they must be developed alongside farmers and supported by international standards.
Adding to this, Syed Tausif Abbas, Senior Deputy Director General and Head of the Telecommunication Engineering Centre, stated that the true success of AI in this sector will be measured by tangible outcomes, including:
- Improved livelihoods for farmers.
- Enhanced agricultural productivity.
- Increased supply-chain efficiency.
- Strengthened food security.
Abbas further stressed that these digital solutions must remain transparent, inclusive, and accessible, with a specific focus on the data privacy and needs of small and marginal farmers.
Next-Gen Connectivity: 5G Agents and Rural Broadband
Beyond the fields, the congress delved deep into the technical future of networks. The ITU Build-A-Thon saw engineers working to develop autonomous AI agents designed for 5G network orchestration, aiming to make connectivity smarter and more self-managing.
However, the event also highlighted a major hurdle: ensuring that high-speed connectivity actually reaches the grassroots level. Discussions centered on finding sustainable financing models for rural broadband deployment to ensure that the digital revolution does not leave rural populations behind.
Building a Robust Digital Framework
As India pushes for more indigenous technology, experts highlighted the need for strict standards. Debasish Mahalik from the Bureau of Indian Standards pointed out that for digital agriculture to be sustainable, robust frameworks for data quality, privacy, security, and interoperability are non-negotiable.
Industry leaders also called for stronger AI evaluation frameworks. These must ensure that AI systems are fair, transparent, and robust, especially when operating in the unpredictable and adverse conditions often found in rural environments.
India's Global Ambition
The 10th edition of IMC reflects a broader national strategy. IMC CEO Ramakrishna P noted that India is moving beyond just using technology to actively developing indigenous solutions and contributing to international standards.
This ambition aligns with the vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding indigenous intellectual property and sovereign semiconductors. Furthermore, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia has set a high bar for the nation, outlining India's goal to account for 10 per cent of all global 6G patents in the coming years.