Microsoft has partnered with the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in an initiative to help India’s agricultural development. The company has built a suite of AI-based tools that tell farmers when to sow their crops by sending a text message to their mobile phone.
The AI Sowing App uses Microsoft’s Cortana Intelligence Suite to work out the best date to sow different crops. It can also aid farmers in preparing their land and creating optimum blends of fertilizer for their fields. The system is based entirely on AI so the farmers don’t need to add physical sensors to their land.
Comparing indexes
The app works by assessing historical climate data for the region collected over 30 years from 1986 to 2015. This is used to calculate the Moisture Adequacy Index (MAI) rating, a standard measure that indicates the level of water in the soil and its suitability for different crops.
The historical data is next compared to the real-time MAI value obtained from daily rainfall measurements. The AI then uses its prediction capabilities to determine probable upcoming MAI values, based on local weather forecasts. By comparing the future values with current meteorological data and past averages, the AI can provide a best-guess estimate of when to sow the crops.
The trial succeeded with farmers who participated observing a 30% higher yield. Instead of sowing in the first week of June, farmers who waited until they received the text message in the third week harvested a higher yield. Microsoft’s now stepping up its use of AI in agriculture to reach more farmers and tackle new issues.
Pest prediction
The company’s next step is to create an intelligent pest prediction API that will provide advance indications of pest attack risks. Farmers can then take effective preventative action to mitigate crop loss. The app currently sends automated voice calls to Indian cotton farmers, calculating the pest risk based on meteorological data and the current crop growth state.
READ NEXT: Nasdaq vice chair thinks AI could create a new sector
The experiments show how AI can help people react to environmental conditions and improve their productivity. Although AI’s most often discussed in the context of large enterprises, the technology could transform the lives of small business owners and farmers across the world.
Digital agriculture is a fast-growing research area that will be particularly important to climate-dependent regions such as India. According to Dr. T.N. Prakash Kammardi, Chairman of the Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission in the Government of Karnataka, it’s “certain” to benefit farmers:
“We are certain that digital agriculture supported by advanced technology platforms will truly benefit farmers,” he said. “We believe that Microsoft’s technology will support these innovative experiments which will help us transform the lives of the farmers in our state.”
