(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) AI‑BASED PERSONALISED AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES

(SEPTEMBER-2025)

AI‑BASED PERSONALISED AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other partners, has initiated personalized and real-time climate advisory services, utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

Key Highlights

The initiative aims to furnish farmers with prompt and practical guidance for essential decisions, including sowing, irrigation, and pest control.
These recommendations will be communicated via accessible digital platforms, such as an AI-driven WhatsApp bot, guaranteeing straightforward access even in isolated agricultural areas.
The initiative will initially be executed in Maharashtra, utilizing ICAR’s Agro-Meteorological Field Units (AMFUs) to engage smallholder farmers.

About Project

The initiative, known as AI‑powered Context‑Specific Agromet Advisory Services for Climate‑Resilient Agriculture at Scale, receives backing from the Government of India’s Monsoon Mission III.
Its objective is to provide smallholder farmers with precise, localized weather and climate information, empowering them to make well-informed choices in the face of growing climate variability.
The Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA-ICAR), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), and Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) also joined the initiative.
The Intelligent Systems Advisory Tool (iSAT), a digital platform created and tested by ICRISAT and its partners during Monsoon Mission II, was originally intended to convert complex climate and agronomic data into personalised, science-driven advisories. iSAT is currently undergoing enhancements to become a fully operational AI-powered tool as part of this new initiative. These are tech-driven platforms that use AI to analyze data (soil health, weather, crop type, satellite imagery, market trends).

Provide tailored recommendations to individual farmers on:

Crop selection
Fertilizer use
Irrigation
Pest and disease management
Harvest timing and market prices

Importance for India

Small and Marginal Farmers (~86% of Indian farmers): Personalized support without needing expensive agronomists. Bridging the knowledge gap in remote areas.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture: AI tools help in forecasting droughts, floods, and pest outbreaks.
Enhancing Productivity and Income: Optimised input use = reduced cost + improved yield
Supports Doubling Farmers’ Income Goal: Promotes informed decision-making and market connectivity.

Suggestions & Way forward

Digital Infrastructure Development: Expand rural internet and mobile access.
Localization of AI Tools: Support regional languages and farming contexts.
Public‑Private Partnerships: Leverage tech companies’ expertise with government scale.
Farmer Training & Extension: Build awareness and trust in AI systems.
Open Data Policies: Ensure fair access and privacy protection.
Incentivize Startups: Support Agri-tech innovation via funding and incubation.