India is turning to artificial intelligence and precision farming to help farmers manage climate-related risks. The push was reported on October 3.

The initiative brings together agri-tech startups and government support. It will deploy AI tools for weather forecasting, irrigation management, soil monitoring and pest control.

The programme focuses on small farmers. They have limited money and are most exposed to droughts, floods and irregular rainfall.

AI systems use machine learning and farm data to study soil, estimate water needs, forecast yields and spot pest risks. This can cut input costs and protect crops from bad weather.

NITI Aayog data shows AI precision pilots cut pesticide and water use by 60 to 80 percent in some cases. Maharashtra’s Rs 500 crore MahaAgri-AI policy is already using satellite and drone data for early warnings.

The Digital Agriculture Mission has created Farmer IDs for 8.48 crore farmers. Maharashtra’s MahaAgri-AI policy uses satellite and drone data for early warnings. Soil Health Cards, drone spraying and mobile advisories are bringing the technology to the farm gate.