Govt actively promoting use of AI in agriculture: Minister

New Delhi: The Indian government’s push to integrate AI into farming is expected to transform traditional agricultural practices, ensuring better yields, and improved farmer incomes.

As per the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, “The government has employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to address various challenges in the agricultural sector to aid farmers. ‘Kisan e-Mitra’, an AI-powered chatbot, has been developed to assist farmers with responses to the queries about the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This solution supports multiple languages and is evolving to assist with other government programs.”

“National Pest Surveillance System, for tackling the loss of produce due to climate change, utilizes AI and Machine Learning to detect pest infestation in crop issues, enabling timely intervention for healthier crops. AI based analytics using field photographs for crop health assessment and crop health monitoring using Satellite, weather & soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crop,” added Thakur.

For decades, Indian farmers have struggled with unpredictable weather, inefficient irrigation, and lack of real-time market information. These challenges have often resulted in crop losses and financial distress. Recognizing the urgent need for technological intervention, the government has embraced AI to empower farmers with data-driven decision-making. Initiatives such as Kisan Sarathi, an AI-powered advisory platform, provide real-time guidance on soil health, pest control, and crop selection. Similarly, AI-enabled Soil Health Cards offer precise recommendations on nutrient management, helping farmers reduce excessive fertilizer use while improving soil fertility.

One of the most critical areas where AI is making a difference is weather forecasting. Erratic monsoons have long been the bane of Indian agriculture. The Mausam App, developed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and research institutions, uses AI to deliver localized weather predictions. Farmers who once relied on intuition now have access to hyper-accurate forecasts, enabling them to plan irrigation, sowing, and harvesting more effectively.

Beyond advisory services, AI is driving efficiency in irrigation and water management. Through initiatives like the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, AI-powered models analyze groundwater levels and suggest optimal irrigation strategies, reducing water wastage. Precision farming, backed by AI-enabled drones and remote sensing technologies, is also gaining traction. The government’s support for drone-based crop monitoring allows farmers to detect pest infestations early, apply targeted pesticides, and enhance overall productivity.

Another game-changing intervention is AI’s role in market linkages and price forecasting. The government’s e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) platform integrates AI to provide real-time price trends, helping farmers make informed decisions on when and where to sell. Moreover, the upcoming AgriStack, a digital agriculture ecosystem, aims to further streamline farm-to-market logistics through AI-driven insights.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The digital divide, particularly in rural areas with limited internet penetration, poses a barrier to widespread AI adoption. Many small farmers still lack access to smartphones or the technical knowledge required to leverage AI-based tools. To address this, the government must prioritize digital literacy programs and infrastructure development. Collaborations with agri-tech startups and private players will also be crucial in scaling AI-driven solutions to the grassroots level.