The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in India has adopted artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to boost productivity and support farmers' welfare. This initiative marks a significant step towards improving agricultural practices and addressing farmers’ challenges. In this article, we explore how AI is being utilized in the agricultural sector and the benefits it brings to farmers.
A crucial component of this initiative is the development of an AI-powered chatbot named ‘Kisan e-Mitra’. This chatbot provides valuable information related to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme and other government programs. Available in multiple languages—such as Hindi, Tamil, Odia, Bengali, and English—it ensures broader accessibility for farmers across India. In the past two months alone, over 2.1 million farmers have used this service, reflecting its widespread popularity.
The Ministry has introduced the National Pest Monitoring System, which employs AI and machine learning (ML) models to swiftly detect crop issues. This system allows for early identification of crop health problems and offers timely recommendations to farmers. The results are healthier crops, increased yields, and an overall improvement in farmer livelihoods.
On January 17, 2024, a tripartite agreement was signed among the National Farmers Welfare Program Implementation Society, IndiaAI under Digital India Corporation, and the Wadhwani Foundation. This event saw the participation of senior officials, including Mr. Manoj Ahuja, Dr. P.K. Meherda, Mr. Samuel Praveen Kumar, and Mr. Mukta Nand Agrawal.
Mr. Prakash Kumar, CEO of the Wadhwani Institute for Technology and Policy, commented that this partnership represents a unique opportunity to foster innovation and knowledge. He highlighted its potential to support a more prosperous and food-secure future for agriculture.
Role of the Wadhwani Foundation:
Through this agreement, the Wadhwani Foundation will provide strategic guidance and technical support to promote AI adoption in agriculture. This foundation is dedicated to positioning India as a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture in alignment with the Ministry of Electronics and IT’s national AI strategy.
Future of AI in Agriculture: As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture has set up an AI Cell. This cell will streamline and effectively implement AI applications, enhancing digital transformation in agriculture. The focus areas include crop monitoring, yield prediction, pest control, and efficient resource management—all of which hold tremendous potential for boosting productivity and sustainability.
Through these strategic initiatives, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare aims to empower Indian farmers by integrating them into the digital era, creating a sustainable and productive future for agriculture in India.
