Pune: India’s first successful experiment in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for sugarcane farming has been conducted at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Agricultural Science Center), Baramati, under the Agricultural Development Trust. This AI-driven method has resulted in a 40% increase in sugarcane yield, while also cutting farming costs and water consumption by 30 per cent.
The Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, in collaboration with Microsoft and Oxford University, initiated this project with the support of Sharad Pawar and Prataprao Pawar. The experiment compared AI-assisted farming with traditional methods, planting six sugarcane varieties across separate plots.
AI Technology Leads to Higher Yield and Cost Savings
The first phase of harvesting yielded 104 to 150 tons per acre, significantly outperforming traditional farming. Notable results included:
CO M 265: 150.10 tons per acre
PDN 15012: 120.40 tons per acre
CO VSI 8005: 104.78 tons per acre
Additionally, AI-assisted sugarcane grew taller (24.1 feet vs. 18.6 feet) and heavier (4.56 kg per cane vs. 2.5 kg per cane). AI-driven precision fertilizer usage helped maintain soil organic carbon at 1.0%, compared to 0.68% in traditional farming.
AI-Assisted Farming Monitors Crops in Real Time
The AI technology integrates weather station sensors and satellite monitoring to track soil conditions, moisture levels, and environmental changes. The system provides real-time alerts to farmers via a mobile app, ensuring precise water and fertilizer application.
1,000 Farmers Adopting AI for Sugarcane Farming
Encouraged by the success, the Agricultural Development Trust has expanded this technology to 1,000 farmers. The AI-assisted farming model could soon be implemented at a village or community level to further enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
