New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – The Ministry of Jal Shakti is set to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to revolutionize water resource management and rainwater harvesting in drought-prone areas, Union Minister C R Paatil announced on Monday.
In a written response in the Rajya Sabha, Paatil outlined the role of AI-based tools in improving irrigation and water conservation. Key applications include AI-enabled irrigation scheduling, remote sensing for crop monitoring, automated smart irrigation systems, predictive maintenance for irrigation infrastructure, and AI-driven decision support systems.
The minister highlighted how advanced AI models can enhance predictions of groundwater behavior, pinpoint vulnerable areas facing pollution and depletion, and enable proactive interventions. Additionally, IoT-based pressure and flow control valves are being implemented to optimize irrigation, prevent overwatering, and conserve vital water resources.
To further streamline water distribution, AI-powered remote sensing applications are monitoring crop water consumption, while AI-driven maintenance systems assess water supply based on seasonal variations, water availability, cropping patterns, and real-time weather data. This smart metering approach is aimed at regulating water distribution efficiently, particularly during periods of surplus or deficit rainfall.
The ministry has also recognized the potential of AI-driven technologies developed by DHI GRAS, which utilize satellite imagery and data processing for hydrology, water quality assessment, land cover mapping, and environmental analysis. These advanced tools will be integrated into decision support systems to minimize water wastage and improve overall agricultural water management.
In a bid to promote sustainable water resource development, the Ministry of Jal Shakti is offering technical and financial support to state governments through schemes like the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). Additionally, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is championing IT-based solutions through programs such as PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), which encourage micro-irrigation, solar-powered irrigation, automation, and AI adoption at the grassroots level.
With these initiatives, India is taking a major step towards smart water management, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and efficient use of its water resources.
In a written response in the Rajya Sabha, Paatil outlined the role of AI-based tools in improving irrigation and water conservation. Key applications include AI-enabled irrigation scheduling, remote sensing for crop monitoring, automated smart irrigation systems, predictive maintenance for irrigation infrastructure, and AI-driven decision support systems.
The minister highlighted how advanced AI models can enhance predictions of groundwater behavior, pinpoint vulnerable areas facing pollution and depletion, and enable proactive interventions. Additionally, IoT-based pressure and flow control valves are being implemented to optimize irrigation, prevent overwatering, and conserve vital water resources.
To further streamline water distribution, AI-powered remote sensing applications are monitoring crop water consumption, while AI-driven maintenance systems assess water supply based on seasonal variations, water availability, cropping patterns, and real-time weather data. This smart metering approach is aimed at regulating water distribution efficiently, particularly during periods of surplus or deficit rainfall.
The ministry has also recognized the potential of AI-driven technologies developed by DHI GRAS, which utilize satellite imagery and data processing for hydrology, water quality assessment, land cover mapping, and environmental analysis. These advanced tools will be integrated into decision support systems to minimize water wastage and improve overall agricultural water management.
In a bid to promote sustainable water resource development, the Ministry of Jal Shakti is offering technical and financial support to state governments through schemes like the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). Additionally, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is championing IT-based solutions through programs such as PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), which encourage micro-irrigation, solar-powered irrigation, automation, and AI adoption at the grassroots level.
With these initiatives, India is taking a major step towards smart water management, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and efficient use of its water resources.