In a groundbreaking collaboration, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), along with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and partners, has introduced an AI-powered climate advisory service. This initiative, launched at a workshop in Hyderabad, aims to offer tailored climate insights in real-time to smallholder farmers.
AI-Powered Advisory for Farmers
- The project, titled “AI-powered Context-Specific Agromet Advisory Services for Climate-Resilient Agriculture at Scale”, is backed by the Government of India’s Monsoon Mission III.
- It leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to deliver hyper-local and actionable weather data.
- Weather advisories will be disseminated through user-friendly digital platforms, including an AI-powered WhatsApp bot, ensuring accessibility for farmers in remote regions.
Pilot Implementation in Maharashtra
The initial phase of the program will be implemented in Maharashtra, where ICAR’s Agro-Meteorological Field Units (AMFUs) will provide advisories to smallholder farmers. This pilot will assess effectiveness and farmers’ feedback, guiding the nationwide expansion and potential replication in other developing countries.
Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Given the challenges of erratic monsoons and increasing climate variability, the project aims to:
- Minimize crop losses through timely weather alerts
- Assist farmers in efficient planning of sowing, irrigation, and harvesting
- Promote sustainable agricultural practices by enabling data-driven decision-making
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- ICRISAT, in collaboration with ICAR and partners, has launched an AI-powered climate advisory service for smallholder farmers.
- The initiative, supported by the Monsoon Mission III, aims to provide personalised weather insights to empower farmers.
- The project will commence in Maharashtra and may expand nationwide, benefiting farmers in other developing nations.
- By leveraging AI and ML technologies, the program seeks to enhance climate-resilient agriculture and promote sustainable farming practices.
