Maharashtra Explores AI In Agriculture To Boost Productivity & Cut Costs: Ajit Pawar

(MENAFN- KNN India) Mumbai, Feb 4 (KNN) Maharashtra's government is evaluating the implementation of artificial intelligence technology in its agricultural sector, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced Monday during a comprehensive review meeting.

The initiative aims to modernise farming practices while simultaneously increasing productivity and reducing operational costs for farmers across the state.

The proposed AI integration would enable precise monitoring of crucial agricultural parameters, including crop health, soil carbon levels, and overall soil conditions.

Pawar has instructed the state agriculture department to collaborate with the cooperation department in conducting a thorough assessment of both technical feasibility and financial viability of this technological transformation.

During the meeting, which included State Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jayswal, Minister of State for Cooperation Pankaj Bhoyar, and All India Grape Growers Association President Kailas Patil, Pawar emphasised the increasing significance of AI in addressing contemporary farming challenges.

He noted that the technology would become indispensable as farmers continue to face evolving challenges such as climate variability, unseasonable rainfall, pest infestations, and labor shortages.

The Deputy Chief Minister outlined several potential benefits of AI implementation, including enhanced pest identification capabilities, disease detection, and weed classification.

These technological advancements would provide farmers with comprehensive insights into their agricultural operations, enabling more precise farming methodologies and improved resource management.

Additionally, the integration of AI is expected to streamline supply chain operations and contribute to overall cost reduction.

Pawar stressed that the technological transition must remain practical and economically viable for farmers. The proposed AI systems would aim to improve harvesting efficiency, optimise the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and enhance disease management protocols.

These improvements are expected to result in significant reductions in both labor requirements and input costs, ultimately promoting a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to agriculture in Maharashtra.

(KNN Bureau)

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