New Delhi, Dec 9: The Government of India is increasingly deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to strengthen the agriculture supply chain, boost productivity, and support farmers with timely, data-driven decisions. Multiple AI initiatives—ranging from chatbots to pest surveillance and monsoon forecasting—are already in operation across the country.
AI Chatbot Handles 8,000 Farmer Queries Daily
A major digital initiative, ‘Kisan e-Mitra’, is providing voice-based AI assistance to farmers on schemes such as PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana and the Kisan Credit Card. Supporting 11 regional languages, the chatbot currently answers more than 8,000 queries a day and has resolved over 93 lakh queries so far. The system is being expanded to cover additional government programmes.
AI-Powered Pest Surveillance Covering 66 Crops
To combat crop loss triggered by climate change and pest infestations, the government is using an AI-enabled National Pest Surveillance System. The tool is used by more than 10,000 extension workers, enabling farmers to upload pest images for rapid diagnosis and response. The platform supports 66 crops and 432 pests, helping reduce losses through timely interventions.
AI-based analytics using field images are also aiding satellite-based crop mapping and crop-weather monitoring.
AI-Driven Monsoon Forecast Pilot Influences Farmer Decisions
An AI-based pilot, conducted with the Development Innovation Lab–India, generated localized monsoon onset forecasts for parts of 13 states during Kharif 2025.
The blended model used NeuralGCM, ECMWF’s AIFS, and 125 years of IMD rainfall data to predict local monsoon onset—crucial for deciding sowing dates.
The forecasts were sent via SMS to 3.88 crore farmers across five languages: Hindi, Odia, Marathi, Bangla and Punjabi. Post-forecast surveys in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar revealed that 31–52% of farmers adjusted their sowing and land preparation decisions based on the alerts, including changes in crop and input choices.
The details were provided in Lok Sabha today by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, in a written reply.
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