Growing up in a family with agricultural roots, Saksham Kumar understood the importance of farming to rural livelihoods. He also recognised that technology could help farmers improve their work, provided they had access to the right information and practical guidance. This led him to establish ‘Tech on the Field,’ an initiative that teaches rural farmers about agricultural technology and helps them access government support and markets.The initiative has reportedly reached more than 25,000 farmers across 300 villages in five districts through 250 workshops. It has also helped 20,000 farmers enrol in technology-driven government welfare programmes and connected 15,000 farmers to produce markets. According to Kumar’s LinkedIn profile, these market connections have contributed to a reported 10% increase in farmers’ income.Kumar’s work has earned him a place on the 2026 Diana Award Roll of Honour. According to his profile on the award’s official website, he founded Tech on the Field to promote agricultural technology literacy and make practical tools more accessible to farming communities.
Taking agricultural technology to rural villages
Tech on the Field has been working since March 2022, according to Kumar’s LinkedIn profile. The initiative conducts workshops to introduce farmers to technologies that can support agricultural work. Working with the Indian Farm Sciences Center, Kumar has organised 250 workshops across 300 villages, according to the Diana Award. These sessions introduce farmers to tools such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, and modern irrigation systems.For farmers unfamiliar with these tools, simply knowing that the technology exists may not be enough. They also need guidance on how it works and how it can be used in their own farming practices. The workshops aim to make farmers more familiar with these technologies and their practical applications.The initiative’s reported reach extends across five districts. Its work focuses on helping farming communities understand how technology can be used in agriculture rather than limiting access to such information to those who already have technical knowledge.
Helping 20,000 farmers access government schemes
Kumar’s work goes beyond conducting workshops and demonstrating agricultural equipment. Tech on the Field has also helped farmers enrol in technology-driven government welfare programmes. According to his LinkedIn profile, the initiative has helped 20,000 farmers enrol in these programmes.Another part of Tech on the Field’s work is helping farmers find connections to produce markets. The initiative has connected 15,000 farmers to markets, contributing to a reported 10% increase in income.
A separate initiative in the Philippines
Image courtesy: Sky Bridges
Kumar’s work has also extended beyond farming communities in India. According to the Diana Award, he founded SkyBridges in the Philippines and delivered 1,000 kilograms of flood relief aid through the initiative. SkyBridges also has a website, which identifies Kumar as its founder and CEO. As per the website, the project looks to combine aerial tourism with disaster-relief work. It says that 100% of its profits go towards typhoon relief efforts, including the delivery of essential supplies by air and the airlifting of flood victims to safety.The two initiatives address different needs: Tech on the Field focuses on agricultural technology and farmers’ access to support in India, while SkyBridges combines aviation with humanitarian relief in the Philippines.
Recognised with the 2026 Diana Award
The Diana Award was established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and recognises young people for their social action and humanitarian work. Its 2026 Roll of Honour features recipients from across the world who have worked to address problems in their communities. Kumar’s recognition highlights his efforts to take agricultural technology to rural farmers and help them access resources that can support their livelihoods.
