Could AI Revolutionize Agriculture in Maharashtra?

Pune, June 9 (NationPress) As the NCP gears up for its foundation on Tuesday and discussions about alliances for the forthcoming local and civic body elections in Maharashtra unfold, NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar, who heads the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), and NCP president Ajit Pawar — the Deputy Chief Minister, shared the stage on Monday to deliberate on the role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing the production of sugarcane, rice, orchards, and various other crops.

Despite the speculation surrounding electoral alliances, both leaders sidestepped questions related to this topic, emphasizing that their discussions were focused solely on the application of AI in agriculture and its potential benefits for farmers.

Interestingly, both factions of the NCP have organized rallies in Pune to commemorate the 26th anniversary of the NCP's establishment. Furthermore, both groups have dismissed any notions of a merger or alliance.

Joining the Pawars were Maharashtra ministers Hasan Mushrif, Babasaheb Patil, and Manikrao Kokate, along with former deputy chief minister Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories chairman Harshvardhan Patil, and state NCP chief Jayant Patil, who were all present at the seminar.

In his address, Sharad Pawar announced that an agreement was signed today between VSI and the Agricultural Development Trust in Baramati to leverage AI for boosting sugarcane production and productivity.

“Through this agreement, we aim to disseminate this technology to as many farmers as possible. The West Indian Sugar Mills Association and the National Cooperative Sugar Factory Federation will play a crucial role in this initiative,” he stated.

“While the area dedicated to sugarcane cultivation is substantial, there are considerable shortcomings in productivity. We must address these challenges. Several speakers have already shared insights regarding the income of sugar factories, many of which struggle with insufficient sugarcane supply. Consequently, the crushing season may last only a hundred days or even less, leading to underutilization of factory machinery and negatively impacting their economic viability. To counter this, we must enhance the per-acre yield of sugarcane. Utilizing artificial intelligence to boost sugarcane productivity and, consequently, increasing the production of sugar and by-products like ethanol is the way forward,” he emphasized.

“Thus, we believe that by providing timely water and fertilizers to sugarcane and guiding farmers, we can harness artificial intelligence to elevate productivity, ultimately benefiting the farmers,” Pawar remarked.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar also echoed the advantages of AI in agriculture, particularly for boosting sugarcane productivity in Maharashtra. He pointed out the need for farmers to produce ethanol and other by-products as well.

(Sanjay Jog can be reached at sanjay.j@ians.in)