Mumbai, Feb 3 (PTI) – In a significant move to modernize agriculture, the Maharashtra government is considering the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on an experimental basis to enhance productivity and reduce production costs for farmers, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced on Monday.
During a review meeting in Mumbai, Pawar directed the state agriculture department to collaborate with the cooperation department to assess the technical and financial feasibility of integrating AI into the sector. The meeting was attended by State Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jayswal, Minister of State for Cooperation Pankaj Bhoyar, President of the All India Grape Growers Association Kailas Patil, and other senior officials.
Highlighting AI’s potential, Pawar explained that advanced technology could enable precise measurement of soil carbon levels, pest and disease identification, and even weed classification. These insights, he noted, would empower farmers with better resource management and precision farming techniques.
He further underscored that the integration of AI in agriculture is not just about higher productivity but also ensuring a more sustainable and economically viable approach to farming. The government’s initiative aligns with a broader vision of equipping Maharashtra’s farmers with modern tools to navigate future agricultural challenges effectively.
This AI-driven transformation, if successfully implemented, could set a precedent for other states to follow, marking a new era in Indian agriculture.
During a review meeting in Mumbai, Pawar directed the state agriculture department to collaborate with the cooperation department to assess the technical and financial feasibility of integrating AI into the sector. The meeting was attended by State Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jayswal, Minister of State for Cooperation Pankaj Bhoyar, President of the All India Grape Growers Association Kailas Patil, and other senior officials.
AI for Smarter, Cost-Effective Farming
Pawar emphasized that AI could be instrumental in monitoring critical factors such as crop health, soil carbon levels, and overall soil quality. "As AI is revolutionizing industries worldwide, agriculture must not lag behind. Given the challenges farmers face, such as unpredictable weather, unseasonal rains, pest attacks, and labour shortages, AI can provide invaluable support," he stated.Highlighting AI’s potential, Pawar explained that advanced technology could enable precise measurement of soil carbon levels, pest and disease identification, and even weed classification. These insights, he noted, would empower farmers with better resource management and precision farming techniques.
Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Costs
Beyond improving yields, Pawar stressed that AI could optimize the entire agricultural supply chain, leading to cost reductions. "By increasing harvesting efficiency, minimizing dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and improving disease management, AI can help farmers cut down on both labour and input costs," he said.He further underscored that the integration of AI in agriculture is not just about higher productivity but also ensuring a more sustainable and economically viable approach to farming. The government’s initiative aligns with a broader vision of equipping Maharashtra’s farmers with modern tools to navigate future agricultural challenges effectively.
This AI-driven transformation, if successfully implemented, could set a precedent for other states to follow, marking a new era in Indian agriculture.
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