Pune: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in sugarcane farming has led to a 40% increase in yield while also improving sugar recovery rates, according to research findings. AI-driven techniques have also helped conserve water and fertilizers, making farming more efficient. National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories President Harshvardhan Patil believes AI will revolutionize sugarcane farming, reports Agrowon.
A delegation of directors, farmers, and officials from Karmayogi Shankarrao Patil Cooperative Sugar Factory and Nira-Bhima Cooperative Sugar Factory visited the Agriculture Development Trust’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Baramati. Led by Harshvardhan Patil, they explored AI-based farming techniques developed in collaboration with Microsoft, Oxford University, and Baramati Agriculture Trust.
During the visit, Patil toured the command center that monitors AI-driven farming using satellite data. He also interacted online with farmers in Maharashtra who have implemented AI technology in their sugarcane farms. Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s CEO, Dr. Nilesh Nalawade, emphasized the need for farmers to adopt AI-based farming, highlighting its revolutionary impact on sugarcane cultivation.
This technology is now accessible to farmers in Marathi via mobile applications. Initial AI-driven trials have resulted in a yield of 150 tonnes per acre, with a new target set at 200 tonnes per acre. Experts including Dr. Vivek Bhoite from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tushar Jadhav from Agriculture Development Trust, and Dheeraj Shinde guided the farmers on AI-based farming methods.
Nira-Bhima Sugar Factory Chairman Lalasahab Pawar, along with board members, agricultural staff, and farmers, attended the event.
With AI-driven farming gaining global recognition, Patil stated that sugarcane farmers must adopt AI technology to remain competitive. He added that AI will significantly reduce production costs while increasing yields, leading to a major transformation in sugarcane farming.
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