Artificial intelligence comes to farming in India | BBC News

Summary

In India, where 50% of the workforce is in agriculture, AI is transforming traditional farming methods to increase efficiency and productivity. Farmers like Nan Pel use sensors and AI to monitor weather, soil health, and optimize irrigation and fertilization, resulting in water savings and productivity boosts. AI-powered robots further improve precision in tasks like pesticide spraying, reducing waste. Despite only 2% of Indian farmers using such technologies, improved rural connectivity and government support for AgriTech startups show promise for expanding these innovations across India's agricultural sector.

Takeaways

• 🌾 India has 50% of its workforce employed in agriculture, with a population of 1.4 billion dependent on crops.
• 🤖 Traditional farming methods in India are being replaced by new technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency.
• 💧 Sensor devices on farms can monitor weather and soil health, providing data to determine when to water, fertilize, and control pests.
• 📱 Farmers, like the one featured, receive precise advisories on a mobile app to optimize crop care, saving water and resources.
• 🚰 AI technology has enabled farmers to save around 50% of water by irrigating only during crucial stages of crop growth.
• 🍇 In one case, AI usage resulted in a 25% increase in productivity for crops like grapes and guavas.
• 🤖 AI-powered robots, equipped with precision cameras, help make decisions at the plant level, reducing pesticide spraying by 56%.
• 🌐 Improved digital connectivity and government support are accelerating the adoption of agri-tech innovations in India.
• 📉 Despite advances, only 2% of Indian farmers currently use technology in their farming processes.
• 💡 India's agriculture sector faces challenges such as resource constraints, low crop yields, and limited financial and insurance services, but AI-driven farming shows potential for profitability.

Q & A

What percentage of India's workforce is employed in agriculture?

50% of India's workforce is employed in agriculture.

How is AI being used on some farms in India, like the one mentioned in the report?

AI is being used to monitor weather and soil health through sensors, and to provide precise advice on watering, adding fertilizer, and pest control through a mobile app.

What is the impact of AI on water usage in the Vineyard mentioned?

The Vineyard is able to save around 50% of the water it previously used thanks to AI data guiding irrigation at crucial stages.

How much has productivity increased for crops like grapes and guavas due to AI technology?

There has been a near 25% boost in productivity for crops like grapes and guavas due to AI technology.

What is the advantage of AI-powered robots in agriculture?

AI-powered robots, equipped with precision cameras, can scan the ground in real time and make plant-level decisions for spraying, leading to 56% savings in spraying costs.

How prevalent is the use of technology in Indian farming currently?

Currently, only 2% of cultivators in India use technology in farming.

What two major changes are needed to expand the use of technology in Indian agriculture?

India needs to enable better digital public infrastructure and foster public-private partnerships to expand the use of technology in agriculture.

What are some of the constraints Indian agriculture faces according to the report?

India faces constraints in yield levels, financial resources, and access to insurance services for farmers.

What are some benefits AI promises to bring to Indian agriculture?

AI promises to improve farm efficiency, productivity, and profitability, helping reduce resource use, make informed decisions, and address inefficiencies.

What is the potential challenge for AI-driven agriculture in India?

AI-driven agriculture in India will require considerable time and investment to reach the majority of farmers.