Microsoft is helping smallholder farmers across the globe adopt more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices by providing them with access to cutting-edge technology, including generative AI. With over 600 million smallholder farmers worldwide, the need for robust food production is paramount. However, global agricultural yield losses â as high as 40% due to pests and diseases â highlight the urgent need for farmers to make timely decisions based on personalised data.
India, one of the worldâs largest agricultural producers, is a prime example. The sector sustains over 43% of the country's workforce, but many farmers face challenges due to limited access to essential information and agronomic expertise. This gap hinders their ability to access timely information, such as changes in monsoon patterns, making it difficult to adapt to the rapidly growing demand for agricultural products.
Leveraging generative AI offers a solution. Microsoft's Azure Data Manager for Agriculture provides a powerful platform for enhancing farming practices by utilising high-quality datasets and AI capabilities. The platform connects data from various farm sources, enabling organisations to develop innovative solutions that provide valuable insights into farming operations.
Microsoft Copilot templates make it easier than ever to gain actionable insights. Organisations can effortlessly create custom copilots that retrieve and analyse data using natural language, simplifying the process of gleaning valuable information. Microsoft also provides comprehensive tools and resources to support customers and partners, fostering collaboration and driving innovation across the entire agricultural value chain.
ITC, a diversified Indian multinational company, exemplifies how Azure Data Manager for Agriculture can be used to optimise agricultural decision-making and promote sustainable farming practices. ITC's "Krishi Mitra", meaning "farming friend", is an agricultural super app built using Microsoft's Copilot template. It allows farmers to ask questions in their own language and uses generative AI plugins to provide answers on weather and agronomy.
With its natural language chat functionality powered by generative AI, Krishi Mitra offers tailored guidance on crop management, pest control, soil health, water conservation, and more. The app's language localisation tools ensure farmers across various regions can access crucial farming information in their preferred language. Microsoft is working closely with partners like ITC to extend Azure Data Manager for Agriculture and provide AI-powered tools to farmers, ultimately aiming to improve agricultural decision-making.
ITC plans to reach over 100,000 farmers in India by the end of 2024, with a projected user base of around 10 million by 2030. Future plans include integrating the Copilot with Azure Data Manager for Agriculture, allowing for access to a wider range of data sources.
Krishi Mitra's development was streamlined using orchestrated plugins that access specific functionalities, such as weather data and farming advice. This method ensures a flexible and efficient user interface, eliminating the need for significant modifications to the core system architecture. The application of contextual indexing and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques further refines the app's response quality.
The app's Semantic Kernel-based orchestrator processes queries and retrieves responses from Microsoft plugins. This allows farmers to ask questions about weather forecasts and agronomy, and the app identifies and utilises the most suitable plugin to deliver the best answer for each query.
Beyond conventional farming challenges such as soil fertility and climate, many farmers struggle with limited access to agricultural technology and relevant information. Krishi Mitra equips farmers with the tools and information they need to improve their agricultural practices and market strategies. The app's core objective is to provide instant access to critical information, boosting the productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers while promoting sustainability and climate resilience.
Access to Microsoft AI tools enables Krishi Mitra to continuously learn and adapt from new agricultural data and user interactions. This allows the app to improve its recommendations and stay updated with the latest farming techniques and information, helping farmers stay ahead of pest issues and reduce pesticide use.
Maximising profits for small farmers requires determining the optimal harvest time to ensure high-quality crops and yield while capitalising on the best market prices. Krishi Mitra empowers farmers with immediate access to essential information, such as precise weather forecasts, allowing them to align their farming operations with upcoming weather conditions. It also provides comprehensive market insights, including detailed data on market locations, pricing, and other critical factors. This data helps farmers make strategic decisions regarding irrigation, harvest timing, and choosing the most profitable buyers located near their farms.
The diversity of languages in India has historically hindered widespread technological adoption among farmers. Krishi Mitra addresses this barrier by processing natural language queries and offering translations in local languages. This functionality empowers farmers to utilise their smartphones for receiving actionable farm management advice in a language they understand.
Krishi Mitra's personalized advisories are tailored to meet the specific needs of each farmer. This personalized support is instrumental in improving agricultural yields and increasing the income of farmers, making Krishi Mitra a transformative tool for the Indian agricultural community.
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