AI in agriculture needs strong policy backing to deliver at scale: Primus partners

New Delhi: India's agriculture sector stands at a critical juncture where Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help address persistent challenges ranging from climate risks to low farm productivity, but achieving meaningful impact will require targeted policy interventions, according to a report by consulting firm Primus Partners. The report argues that while AI technologies have demonstrated significant potential in crop monitoring, precision farming, weather forecasting and market intelligence, adoption across Indian agriculture remains uneven and limited, particularly among smallholder farmers who constitute the majority of the country's farming community. AI's Promise Beyond Precision Farming AI is increasingly being viewed as a transformative tool capable of improving decision-making across the agricultural value chain. From predicting pest attacks and crop diseases to optimizing irrigation schedules and input application, AI-based systems can help farmers reduce costs while improving productivity. "Artificial Intelligence has the potential to become a force multiplier for Indian agriculture by enabling data-driven farming practices, improving resource-use efficiency and strengthening climate resilience," the report noted. Experts believe AI applications can also support policymakers through better crop forecasting, acreage estimation and food supply assessments, helping governments respond more effectively to production and market fluctuations. Adoption Barriers Remain Significant Despite growing interest from agritech startups,...