“Armed with advanced information technology (IT) systems like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and research, it will involve applying data science, remote sensing and image processing apps to crop maps, yield data and weather data collected over five years. The pest risk detection model will provide information five days in advance of expected attacks,” said the company.
In order to ensure a national benefit to leverage the advantages of AI for the growth of agriculture, Microsoft inked a pact with NITI Aayog. Under the agreement, Microsoft will provide Niti Aayog advanced AI-based solutions to address challenges in agriculture.
As a part of projects across locations identified by NITI Aayog, Microsoft also accelerated the use of AI for the development and adoption of local language computing, in addition to building capacity for AI among the workforce through education.
“AI needs to be brought to support sectors like agriculture, which is key for the inclusive development of India. There is a need to utilise the power of AI to build understanding of the different regional languages prevalent in India. Moreover, this partnership will help us move beyond pilot projects and comprehend ways to scale up AI implementation in the agriculture sector,” said Amitabh Kant, chief executive officer, NITI Aayog.
