Indian farmers increase crop yields and forecasting using advanced AI advisories

ICRISAT, in partnership with Microsoft, enabled thousands of smallholder farmers in India to boost crop yields and manage market risk using a cloud-based AI solution. The AI-Sowing App, powered by Cortana Intelligence Suite and Azure, uses 30 years of climatic and satellite data, along with machine learning, to predict optimal sowing times and warn about weather and pest risks. Farmers receive personalized advisories via SMS and automated voice calls—no need for sensors or capital investments—helping them decide when and what to plant, and reduce input costs. The system includes a commodity price forecasting model, giving governments and farmers advanced insights into future pricing trends for crops such as tur, supporting smarter market planning. The initiative was deployed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, reaching thousands of farmers and improving the sustainability and economic resilience of rural communities. The application exemplifies how scalable AI models driven by satellite imagery and big data can significantly enhance national food security and agricultural outcomes.