NPSS will provide regular correct pest management advisories and will promote Integrated Pest Management.

• It is under Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (Ministry of Agriculture).

Need for NPSS:

• To effectively reduce farmers’ dependence on pesticide retailers & address overuse of pesticides.
• Pest attacks causes losses up to 20% in food production.

AI & Agriculture 

Al can be used as viable solutions to address food inadequacy, climate change, low yield etc. 

Applications of AI in Agriculture

• Diagnostic: Identifying water stress, pest and diseases infestation 
• Prescriptive: Soil health analysis, prescription of fertilizer. E.g. SENSAGRI: SENsor based Smart AGRIculture”
• Advisory: Weather advisory, irrigation scheduling 
• Predictive: Yield prediction, pest attack forecasting & early warning e.g. BharatAgri App 

Challenges in adoption of AI in Indian Context

• Policy issues: incomprehensive data governance, rights, enforcement, regulations, etc. 
• Farmers’ attitude: risk-aversion and resistance to change, lack of trust in technology. 
• Marginalization and digital divide: Absence of enabling Digital infrastructure prevents smallholders from using advanced technologies.
• High Initial investment:  poses a barrier for small-scale farmers

Way forward

• Continued investment in research & Infrastructure.
• Providing financial support and subsidies to Research Institute to develop region specific Al models and Application.