The Telangana state government, in collaboration with agricultural aid organisations and technology companies, launched 'Saagu Baagu' project. Aimed at assisting 7,000 chilli farmers with AI-powered tools, this initiative marked a significant leap in integrating emerging technologies into agriculture.
Scaling Up Saagu Baagu
Following the success of the Saagu Baagu project, the Telangana government is set to amplify its impact with Saagu Baagu 2.0. An Expression of Interest for agritech empanelment has been released, with a technical discussion session scheduled for February 7, 2024. This marks a crucial step in extending the benefits of AI technology to a larger audience, involving agritech start-ups, trusts, funding agencies, foundations, PSUs, and relevant organisations.
Saagu Baagu's Innovations
KrishiTantra, an agritech startup, established local soil testing centers equipped with machine learning technology, streamlining the soil testing process. Meanwhile, AgNext introduced a computer vision system to assess chili quality in the field, allowing farmers to identify defects and enhance crop value.
Saagu Baagu's Results
The implementation of AI tools over an 18-month pilot program yielded impressive results. Farmers experienced a 21 percent increase in plant growth per acre, a 9 percent reduction in pesticide usage, and a 5 percent reduction in fertiliser usage. Sales prices rose by 8 percent, showcasing the tangible benefits of integrating AI into agriculture.
Global Impact of AI in Agriculture
The success of Saagu Baagu serves as a beacon for the transformative power of AI in agriculture, not only in India but globally. The adaptability of such technology, evidenced by its success in Telangana, underscores its scalability and relevance to diverse agricultural environments.
AI's Profound Impact Worldwide
AI's influence in agriculture extends beyond Telangana. Initiatives like ICRISAT and Microsoft's collaboration in Andhra Pradesh, resulting in a 30 percent increase in crop yields, and Microsoft's Pest Risk Prediction API in India, reducing crop loss, showcase the global shift towards AI-driven farming practices. In Karnataka, AI is utilised for price forecasting, empowering farmers to make informed decisions about crop sales.
Agricultural Revolution
The Saagu Baagu program exemplifies AI's transformative power in agriculture, offering farmers a sustainable and efficient path to increased yields, reduced costs, and overcoming modern farming challenges. As AI continues to revolutionise traditional farming practices, its potential to address critical issues and promote sustainable farming practices globally becomes increasingly evident.
