Centre to Invest Rs 6,000 Crore in AI-Driven Smart Farming to Boost Crop Yields

The central government has planned to invest Rs 6,000 crores in smart and precision farming in India. Under this initiative, the advanced technology of AI, drones, and data analytics would be made use of to improve crop yields with the environment not getting damaged in any way.

The idea is to make farming more efficient through the intelligent use of resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides. In this regard, the new approach would help the farmers protect themselves against harsh climate change and other challenges.

Smart Precision Horticulture Programme to Benefit Farmers

The Union Ministry of Agriculture plans a Smart Precision Horticulture Programme. This would be part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture ( MIDH ) scheme. The five-year programme starting from 2024-25 and ending with 2028-29 will cover 15,000 acres of land and benefit around 60,000 farmers.

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, already supports projects for smart and precision agriculture. Farmers and farming groups like Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can apply for loans under this fund with a 3% interest discount. 

These loans can be used to buy drones, set up sensors in the fields, and incorporate other modern technologies, such as AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), into farming practices.

Collaboration with Global Leaders in Farming Technology

The government is also working on testing and adjusting these technologies to fit local needs through 22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs). These centres are spread across different agricultural universities, research institutes, and IITs in various states, such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and more. These centres will help farmers learn and use the new farming methods more effectively.

In addition to financial support, the government plans to collaborate with countries such as the Netherlands and Israel, which are known for their advanced farming technologies. 

The government also wants to establish 100 Centres of Excellence for better farming methods in the next five years. In fact, as part of Indo-Israel Agriculture Project, 32 such centres are already working among 14 different states in India. This plan helps the government push for sustainable farming and food security as environmental problems grow.

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