The government has launched an innovative AI-enabled pilot aimed at enhancing local monsoon onset forecasting for farmers in preparation for the Kharif 2025 season. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Development Innovation Lab–India, illustrates how advanced modeling techniques can significantly bolster agricultural planning.
The pilot utilizes a sophisticated open-source blended model that integrates Google’s NeuralGCM, the ECMWF’s Artificial Intelligence Forecasting System, and 125 years of rainfall data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). This system generates probabilistic forecasts regarding local monsoon onset, which is crucial for farmers to determine their optimal sowing dates.
Localized forecasts were communicated via SMS through the M-Kisan platform, reaching approximately 3.88 crore farmers across 13 states. To ensure inclusivity, messages were provided in multiple languages, including Hindi, Odia, Marathi, Bangla, and Punjabi.
This pilot program concentrated solely on forecast delivery and did not include any financial assistance. The aim was to empower farmers with timely information that could facilitate better agricultural decisions.
Post-forecast feedback surveys were conducted through Kisan Call Centres in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. The surveys revealed that 31% to 52% of the farmers surveyed adjusted their agricultural practices based on the forecasts. Changes included modifications in land preparation, sowing schedules, crop selection, and input usage.
Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur informed the Lok Sabha that this pilot demonstrates the significant potential of AI-driven advisory systems. Such systems are pivotal in promoting climate-smart agriculture and enhancing decision-making for millions of farmers across the country.
Q1. What is the purpose of the AI-enabled pilot for monsoon forecasting?
Answer: The pilot aims to improve local monsoon onset forecasting, assisting farmers in making informed agricultural decisions ahead of the Kharif 2025 season.
Q2. How does the blended AI model work for forecasting?
Answer: It integrates Google’s NeuralGCM, ECMWF’s AI Forecasting System, and extensive IMD rainfall data to generate accurate probabilistic forecasts for local monsoon onset.
Q3. How were farmers informed about the forecasts?
Answer: Localized forecasts were delivered via SMS through the M-Kisan portal, reaching 3.88 crore farmers in five different languages.
Q4. What percentage of farmers adjusted their agricultural practices based on forecasts?
Answer: Surveys indicated that 31% to 52% of farmers modified their farming strategies, including sowing dates and crop choices, based on the forecasts received.
Q5. What is the significance of this initiative for agriculture in India?
Answer: This initiative showcases the potential of AI in promoting climate-smart agriculture, ultimately supporting millions of farmers in making better decisions.
Question 1: What technology is used in the AI-enabled pilot for monsoon forecasting?
A) Satellite imagery
B) Blended AI model
C) Traditional weather patterns
D) Manual reporting
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How many farmers received localized forecasts through the M-Kisan platform?
A) 1 crore
B) 3.88 crore
C) 5 crore
D) 10 crore
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which languages were used in the forecast messages?
A) English and Hindi
B) Hindi and Punjabi
C) Hindi, Odia, Marathi, Bangla, Punjabi
D) Only Hindi
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What aspect of agriculture does this AI pilot primarily focus on?
A) Financial assistance
B) Forecast delivery
C) Crop insurance
D) Seed distribution
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What was the range of farmers who adjusted their practices based on forecasts?
A) 10% to 20%
B) 21% to 30%
C) 31% to 52%
D) 53% to 70%
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: Who reported the initiative's potential in the Lok Sabha?
A) Minister of Finance
B) Minister of State for Agriculture
C) Minister of Rural Development
D) Minister of Education
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: Which organization collaborated on the AI-enabled pilot?
A) IMD
B) NASA
C) Development Innovation Lab–India
D) World Bank
Correct Answer: C
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