Maharashtra Government's Initiative on AI in Agriculture: Deputy CM
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar revealed plans for the government to utilize AI in agriculture. This initiative aims to enhance crop yields, reduce costs, and improve farmers' livelihoods, marking a significant shift in the agricultural sector.
Key Takeaways
- Government exploring AI in agriculture
- Focus on increasing crop yields and reducing costs
- Partnership between Agriculture and Cooperation Departments
- Training for farmers on AI applications
- Implementation of flagship schemes expedited
Mumbai, Feb 3 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced on Monday that the government is exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture to enhance crop yields and minimize expenses.
He has tasked the Agriculture Department with investigating the technical and financial viability of implementing AI in agriculture, in partnership with the Cooperation Department.
“The government is aiming to leverage AI in agriculture to boost crop production, lower costs, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers. The adoption of AI in this sector is anticipated to transform its efficiency and productivity,” he stated.
During a meeting focused on AI in agriculture, Pawar emphasized that employing AI is crucial for increasing crop yields and cutting costs. He highlighted that AI could be utilized to assess soil health, identify pests and diseases, and optimize irrigation practices.
The meeting included Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jaiswal, Minister of State for Cooperation Pankaj Bhoyar, and other officials.
Pawar instructed the Agriculture Department to evaluate the feasibility of AI in agriculture and present a report to the government. He also stressed the importance of training farmers in the application of AI technologies.
Additionally, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed officials to accelerate the execution of various flagship initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Jal Jeevan Mission, and Ayushman Bharat.
He urged officials to hasten the construction of housing under PMAY, targeting the completion of 19.66 lakh homes in rural regions. Currently, 16.81 lakh homes have been sanctioned.
Regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Chief Minister has instructed officials to finalize projects aimed at supplying clean drinking water to rural households. He also highlighted the need for the solarization of the scheme to lower electricity costs.
Moreover, Fadnavis urged officials to expedite the issuance of Ayushman cards, which offer health insurance to beneficiaries. He also called for the inclusion of additional private and municipal hospitals in Mumbai and its suburbs under the program.
Fadnavis directed officials to tackle land availability concerns for housing projects and prioritize the completion of outstanding tasks. He emphasized ensuring the quality of construction materials, such as sand, bricks, and cement, for housing initiatives.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the necessity for effective implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission and Ayushman Bharat schemes to benefit the citizens of Maharashtra.
