In the picturesque region of Kashmir, a technological transformation is underway in agriculture, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a game-changing force for farming practices. The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Sheri-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology is at the forefront of this movement, pioneering the use of AI to address critical challenges in the field. Showkat Rasool, who heads the center, believes AI has the potential to fundamentally reshape farming in the region.
The integration of AI technologies is being implemented at the community level to help farmers grow larger yields, detect diseases early, map weather patterns, and reduce environmental stress. Given that over 70% of Kashmir’s economy depends on agriculture, and nearly 80% of the population is directly or indirectly involved in farming, the region stands to benefit significantly from these digital agriculture innovations.
At the heart of this transformation is precision agriculture, which leverages technologies like sensors, GPS, drones, and data analytics. This approach allows farmers to apply precise amounts of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, optimizing crop yields while minimizing waste. By using these advanced tools, farmers can increase efficiency and productivity, even in challenging environmental conditions.
While the use of AI in agriculture is still in its early stages in Kashmir, the process of data collection has already begun. Wireless sensors, drones, automatic devices, and hyperspectral cameras are being employed to analyze farming fields. These technologies provide valuable insights that can help farmers make informed decisions, leading to better outcomes.
Despite the central role of agriculture in Kashmir, yields in the region are comparatively smaller than in other parts of India. Rasool emphasizes the importance of adopting technology with the right perspective, which is key to unlocking the full potential of AI in farming. He advocates for a concept called “smart agriculture,” where technology enables farmers to monitor, predict, decide, and automate various aspects of farming. With the correct application of AI, the sector could experience a significant revolution.
One of the notable AI-driven technologies gaining traction is the use of automatic rover sprayers equipped with advanced sensors. Haris Shah, a research scholar, explains that these sprayers can optimize pesticide application, reduce labor requirements, and minimize environmental impact. This innovation not only improves efficiency but also helps reduce the adverse effects of overusing chemicals in farming.
In addition to AI, greenhouse farming is experiencing a boom in Kashmir, with over 10,558 greenhouses spread across the region, including in Ladakh. Greenhouses, and their smaller versions called polyhouses, are especially important in the Himalayan region due to the steep temperature drops during winter, which leave much of the ground without vegetation. These controlled environments allow farmers to grow a variety of crops, from collard greens to tomatoes, year-round.
Sajid Ahmad, an “agripreneur” near Srinagar, demonstrates the potential of polyhouse farming. “Even many kinds of flowers are grown here too. The only thing is you need to keep watch and use the right kind of advice to yield better results,” he explains. The controlled conditions in greenhouses help mitigate the challenges posed by the region’s harsh climate, allowing for more consistent and reliable crop production.
Farmers in Kashmir are also receiving training to adopt these advanced technologies and techniques. Thousands of such setups are being established, where farmers are trained under various programs and given agritech education to run these greenhouses. Rasool underscores the importance of this training, noting that technology has already revolutionized farming practices globally, and Kashmir must not be left behind.
As the region embraces AI and other innovative agricultural technologies, the future of farming in Kashmir looks promising. By integrating these tools into everyday practices, farmers can expect to see improved yields, more sustainable practices, and a stronger agricultural economy. With the right support and continued investment in education and technology, Kashmir’s agricultural sector can thrive in the digital age.
