In India, where over 50% of the population depends on agriculture, AI is emerging as a silent partner to farmers — predicting weather, analyzing soil, and optimizing yields.
The Role of AI in AgriTech:
- Satellite-based crop prediction
- AI bots offering local-language advisory
- Pest detection and alert systems via drones or cameras
- Market price forecasting for better selling decisions
Noteworthy Initiatives:
- CropIn: Uses remote sensing + AI to provide insights to farmers
- KrishiBot: A multilingual WhatsApp-based assistant
- eNAM integration: AI-led pricing insights for market linkage
Benefits:
- Higher yields with fewer resources
- Data-driven decisions for smallholder farmers
- Early warnings = better risk management
Challenges:
- Limited digital literacy in remote areas
- Fragmented data across states
- Affordability of smart farming tools
Takeaway Box:
AI can’t bring rain — but it can tell farmers when to sow with confidence.
