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Source-This post is based on the article “Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is leveraging cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for the benefit of farmers and to increase overall productivity” published in “PIB” on 17th January 2024.
Why in The News?
AI technologies supporting farmers, Recently a MoU was signed between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society, IndiaAI (Digital India Corporation), and Wadhwani Foundation to make India a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture. Wadhwani Foundation will provide critical support in formulating and executing an AI strategy.
What AI-driven cutting-edge technologies has the ministry is adopting for the benefit of farmers?
1) The Ministry is advocating for the network-centric approach of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (InDEA) 2.0, designed by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India.
2) India Digital Ecosystem Architecture 2.0 or InDEA 2.0 is a framework that facilitates the design of large IT architectures for governments and private enterprises. It allows the seamless delivery of integrated services beyond organizational boundaries.
3) Under the InDEA 2.0 Framework, the following cutting-edge AI-based technologies have been adopted for the benefit of farmers:
| AI Technology | Details |
| Kisan e-Mitra | 1. A chatbot powered by AI that addresses farmers’ inquiries regarding the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. 2. It is accessible in Hindi, Tamil, Odia, Bangla, and English. |
| National Pest Surveillance System | 1. The Ministry is developing it in collaboration with the private sector. 2. Under it, AI and Machine Learning (ML) models detect crop issues by offering timely information to farmers for swift action. 3. This initiative aims to enhance crop health, potentially increasing yields and improving farmers’ livelihoods. |
What is Wadhwani Foundation?
1) It a non-profit organization dedicated to expediting economic development by fostering job creation through extensive initiatives in entrepreneurship, small business expansion, innovation, and skill development.
2) It was founded in the year 2000.
UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy(Agriculture)
