Srinagar, October 15: Artificial intelligence, robotics and drones could help farmers in Jammu and Kashmir improve productivity and manage rising costs, according to Showkat Rasool, who heads the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at SKUAST-Kashmir.
Rasool said combining farmers’ experience with accurate field data could improve decisions about irrigation, fertilisers and crop protection. These tools could be particularly useful where limited land, unpredictable weather and labour shortages make farming difficult. Indmedia News
In orchards, AI-based models could provide early warnings of disease, while camera-equipped drones could identify stressed crops. This would allow farmers to treat affected patches more precisely.
Affordability, however, remains essential. Rasool suggested rental services and custom hiring centres could give small farmers access to expensive equipment. He said practical benefits would determine adoption, with technology supporting traditional knowledge and creating opportunities for younger people in agriculture.
Rasool said combining farmers’ experience with accurate field data could improve decisions about irrigation, fertilisers and crop protection. These tools could be particularly useful where limited land, unpredictable weather and labour shortages make farming difficult.
In orchards, AI-based models could provide early warnings of disease, while camera-equipped drones could identify stressed crops. This would allow farmers to treat affected patches more precisely.
Affordability, however, remains essential. Rasool suggested rental services and custom hiring centres could give small farmers access to expensive equipment. He said practical benefits would determine adoption, with technology supporting traditional knowledge and creating opportunities for younger people in agriculture.
