AI-Powered Agromet Advisory
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have launched an innovative AI-powered climate advisory service. This service delivers personalised, real-time weather and climate information to smallholder farmers. It aims to help them adapt to increasing climate variability and improve agricultural productivity. The initiative is supported by the Government of India’s Monsoon Mission III and integrates advanced technology with local agricultural needs.
About AI-Powered Agromet Advisory
The advisory system uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to generate context-specific insights. It provides hyper-local weather forecasts and crop-related recommendations. The system considers factors such as crop type, soil condition, location, and socio-economic status of farmers. This personalised approach helps farmers make timely decisions about sowing, irrigation, fertilisation, and harvesting.
Technology and Data Integration
The advisory service combines real-time data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and satellite observations. AI and ML models analyse this data to predict weather patterns and their impact on crops. The system updates continuously to reflect changing climate conditions. This dynamic modelling improves accuracy and relevance of advisories.
Delivery Channels
To ensure wide reach, advisories are delivered through multiple user-friendly platforms. An AI-powered WhatsApp bot communicates in regional languages for ease of use. Other channels include Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRS), mobile applications, and village resource centres. This multi-channel approach bridges the digital divide, especially in remote farming communities.
Pilot Phase
The project is initially piloted in Maharashtra through ICAR’s Agro-Meteorological Field Units (AMFUs). The pilot phase focuses on reaching over 120 million small and marginal farmers. Lessons learned will inform a national rollout across India. The model also aims for South-South cooperation, extending benefits to other semi-arid regions globally.
Significance
The AI-powered advisory service addresses climate risks by reducing uncertainty in farming decisions. It supports sustainable agricultural practices and enhances productivity. By delivering timely and relevant information, it strengthens farmers’ resilience to extreme weather events. This initiative represents a major step towards integrating digital technologies with traditional farming.
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