ICRISAT, in partnership with ICAR and top research bodies, has just rolled out an AI-powered climate advisory designed to put critical, hyper-local weather guidance into the hands of smallholder farmers—fast.
Key Takeaways:
- Real-time, hyper-local advisories delivered through an AI-powered WhatsApp bot.
- Pilot in Maharashtra via ICAR’s Agro-Meteorological Field Units before national rollout.
- Backed by Monsoon Mission III, the project blends AI, ML, crop models, and forecasts.
Turning complex climate data into friendly, personalized tips, ICRISAT’s new “Context-Specific Agromet Advisory Services for Climate-Resilient Agriculture at Scale” was unveiled at a two-day workshop in Hyderabad on July 29–30, 2025. Supported by India’s Monsoon Mission III, this initiative aims to help smallholders navigate unpredictable wNew Copilot Is Live: Edge Gets AI Superpowers to Book, Browse & Compareeather, optimize sowing windows, manage irrigation, and stay ahead of pest threats.
At its core lies iSAT (Intelligent Systems Advisory Tool), an AI-driven upgrade from the Monsoon Mission II pilot. By integrating real-time meteorological forecasts, crop growth models, and machine-learning analytics, iSAT transforms raw data into crystal-clear, timely recommendations for farmers. Think of it as a pocket agronomist, available 24/7.
To ensure every small farm benefits, advisories are funneled through an AI-powered WhatsApp bot and other easy-to-use digital channels. This last-mile delivery cuts through literacy barriers and network challenges, making sure insights reach remote fields just when decisions matter most.
The project’s first stop is Maharashtra, where ICAR’s Agro-Meteorological Field Units will pilot the service among smallholder plots. Lessons learned here will shape a phased national rollout—and eventually offer a blueprint for South-South collaborations across other semi-arid regions.
ICRISAT Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak highlighted the human impact: “Our farmers battle weather swings every season. With these AI-powered advisories, we’re giving them a digital ally to boost yields and reduce crop losses.” His vision: a future where data-driven guidance becomes as familiar as traditional wisdom in villagers’ conversations.
By tapping into cutting-edge AI and ML, this initiative isn’t just about weather alerts—it’s a step toward empowering communities, safeguarding livelihoods, and building resilient food systems in an era of climate uncertainty.