Indian farming, once a cornerstone of the country’s economy, is increasingly becoming a challenging endeavor.
Factors such as water scarcity, a rapidly changing climate, disorganized supply chains, and limited access to credit make each growing season a risky bet.
However, new AI-powered technologies are helping to mitigate some of the uncertainty.
AI models are helping farmers deal with various uncertainties when it comes to agriculture. Image used for representational purpose/AP
Harish B., a 40-year-old farmer near Bengaluru, is among those turning to technology for solutions.
Having taken over his family’s 5.6-hectare farm a decade ago, Harish introduced pomegranates alongside the existing grape crop and implemented modern systems like drip irrigation, as reported by IEEE Spectrum.
Last year, he teamed up with Fasal, a Bengaluru-based agritech startup offering AI-driven tools to help farmers with irrigation, nutrient management, and pest control.
The technology uses IoT sensors and predictive models to deliver customized advice. Harish states that this service has helped him reduce water consumption by 30%.
India’s agritech sector is expanding rapidly, aided by government support.
In 2018, agriculture became a key focus of the country’s AI strategy, with $300 million allocated to digital agriculture initiatives. The sector also benefits from extensive 4G coverage and over a billion smartphone users, enabling even rural farmers to access AI-based tools, according to IEEE Spectrum.
Startups like Fasal and Cropin leverage AI to analyze weather data and satellite imagery, providing precision farming insights.
For example, Fasal’s services have reportedly saved 82 billion liters of water and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 54,000 tonnes across its operational area.
Cost as a Barrier
However, cost continues to be a significant obstacle.
Many small farmers can't afford the necessary tools or the additional equipment required. Even if they're interested, they are unable to access the system.
Organizations like Digital Green are investigating alternative solutions. The nonprofit leverages AI and video-sharing platforms to assist small farmers in adopting new practices at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.
A chatbot, trained on content created by farmers, provides personalized advice based on location and weather, linking users to practical solutions.
Farmers' Needs Beyond AI
Farmers are seeking more than just information, according to Rikin Gandhi, CEO of Digital Green. He noted that they also want solutions that link information to markets and services.
For farmers like Harish, AI is already proving beneficial, but wider adoption will hinge on tackling issues of affordability and trust. Harish mentioned that the technology is paying off, but smaller farmers require additional support to access these tools.
India's agritech revolution has the potential to serve as a model for other developing nations, but its success will depend on making sure the technology reaches the farmers who need it most.
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