Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Improve Agriculture

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture; Applications of S&T in Everyday Life

Context

• Recently, the Government has employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to address various challenges in the agricultural sector to aid farmers.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

• Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the agricultural sector.
  • By combining traditional farming knowledge with cutting-edge AI technologies, India is poised to address the dynamic challenges of modern agriculture.
• Precision Agriculture (Enhancing Productivity and Efficiency): AI technologies, such as machine learning, drone applications, and remote sensing, are revolutionizing farming practices.
  • These innovations enable precise monitoring of crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns, allowing farmers to make informed decisions.
  • These allow for targeted interventions, such as precise application of water and fertilizers.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI systems can recommend optimal planting times, crop rotations, and irrigation schedules.
  • It helps in conserving water, reducing chemical usage, and maintaining soil health. 
  • The concept of Hybrid Agricultural Intelligence (HAI), which combines farmers’ indigenous knowledge with AI, is particularly promising for smallholder farmers in India.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: AI can predict weather patterns and provide early warnings for extreme weather events, enabling farmers to take preventive measures.
  • Additionally, AI-based systems can optimize resource use, such as water and fertilizers, to adapt to changing climatic conditions.
• Data-Driven Innovations: The use of AI and data analytics in agriculture can lead to more efficient farming practices and better decision-making.
  • For example, drones equipped with hyperspectral imaging can detect nutrient deficiencies and pest infestations early.

AI-Powered Solutions in Agriculture

• Kisan e-Mitra Chatbot: The government has introduced the ‘Kisan e-Mitra’ chatbot, an AI-powered tool designed to assist farmers with queries related to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
  • It supports multiple languages and is evolving to provide information on other government programs.
• National Pest Surveillance System: AI and Machine Learning (ML) are utilized in the National Pest Surveillance System to detect crop issues early.
  • It helps in timely interventions, reducing crop losses due to pests and diseases.
• IoT-Based Irrigation Systems: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed IoT-based irrigation systems tested in the field for selected crops.
  • These systems optimize water usage, ensuring efficient irrigation.
• Crop Health Monitoring: AI-based analytics, using field photographs and satellite data, assess crop health.
  • It monitors weather and soil moisture conditions, particularly for rice and wheat, enabling farmers to make informed decisions.

Key Concerns of Integration of AI Into Agriculture

• Challenges for Smallholders: Small landholdings in India pose a challenge for the adoption of AI technologies, which are often designed for larger farms.
  • Ensuring affordable and accessible AI tools for smallholder farmers is crucial.
• Technological Infrastructure and Costs: The high costs of AI technologies and the need for robust technological infrastructure are significant barriers.
  • There is a need for specialized skills to operate and maintain these technologies.

Government Initiatives

• Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): It aims to enhance water use efficiency through micro-irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation.
  • This initiative not only conserves water but also reduces fertilizer usage and labor costs, ultimately increasing farmers’ incomes.
  • Under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), the government provides financial assistance of 55% for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers for installing drip and sprinkler systems.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): It includes AI-driven support systems that help farmers having small landholdings and limited access to technology.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) for crop yield estimation and risk management.
• ‘Saagu Baagu’ of Telangana: It aims to scale AI-based agritech services to benefit thousands of farmers.

Source: PIB