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Irrigation, for example, was often done at fixed intervals without checking the soil moisture levels,
leading to problems such as overwatering or not providing enough water. This can harm or even
destroy crops.

Additionally, farmers often couldn’t spot problems in their crops early enough, which delayed
taking the necessary action.
But have you ever wondered how farming could be done more efficiently with less effort? AI in
agriculture is helping to automate many farming tasks, reducing the amount of manual labour

and improving productivity. With AI, tasks like irrigation, sowing, fertilising and harvesting can
now be managed by smart machines and data-driven systems.
For instance, AI-powered irrigation systems can analyse soil moisture levels in real time and

automatically adjust water flow to ensure crops get the right amount of water. Similarly, drones
and robots can be used to plant seeds, spray fertilisers and monitor crop health, all with greater
accuracy and speed than traditional methods.

AI IN AGRICULTURE

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Fungus

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Weather Prediction Soil Analysis Pest Detection

How AI Helps

AI provides farmers with valuable information and insights to help them make better decisions:

 Weather forecasts help farmers plan important farming activities such as sowing and
harvesting crops. In India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides weather
updates and agricultural advisories to support farmers. By using these predictions, farmers
can plan their activities, ensuring they sow and harvest crops at the most suitable times.

 Soil analysis helps farmers optimise the use of fertilisers and water. Through the Soil Health
Card Scheme, the Indian government tests soil samples and provides farmers with detailed
reports on soil nutrients, helping them make informed decisions on how to improve soil health
and increase crop yields.

 Pest detection systems can identify pest and disease problems before they damage crops.
In India, platforms like the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) and apps such as Kisan
Suvidha allow farmers to upload photos of their crops. The system analyses the images and
suggests potential issues and solutions, enabling farmers to take action early and prevent
crop loss.

By using AI, farmers gain better control over their farming practices, which leads to higher
productivity, healthier crops and more efficient resource use.

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