Bill Gates praises Odisha farmers using AI technology

Bill Gates is planning his third visit to India within three years. During his upcoming trip, he will focus on how artificial intelligence (AI) is helping farmers in Odisha improve their crop management and productivity. In a recent blog post, Gates shared his experiences from his last visit. He saw farmers using AI tools to predict weather patterns and manage crops more effectively. He noted that these tools help reduce risks of diseases in plants. Gates is eager to learn about the advancements made in this technology since his last visit. Farmers in Odisha are utilizing various AI-driven apps for better farming practices. They can upload photos of plant diseases, such as blight, to get advice on how to manage those issues. The state’s Department of Agriculture has collaborated with the Gates Foundation to promote digital agriculture initiatives. One tool, the Krushi Samruddhi Kendra Advisory system, allows farmers to receive audio messages and ask questions directly to agronomists. Farmers register on the Krushak Odisha Portal to provide information about their crops and livestock. This helps deliver personalized advice based on their needs. The GO-SUGAM platform simplifies access to government agricultural schemes. It helps farmers easily track and understand available support without visiting government offices. The Krushi Samiksha Kendra platform monitors these digital initiatives to improve policymaking. Many local farmers report that these technologies have greatly enhanced their productivity. Sujit Das, from Nabarangpur, spoke about the ease of diagnosing diseases using the apps. Another farmer, Sankhajini Pradhan, shared that an AI chatbot helped her identify and manage crop diseases caused by rising temperatures. Overall, the integration of AI in agriculture is proving to be a valuable resource for farmers in Odisha, leading to significant improvements in crop yields.