Karnataka Plans AI-Based Advisory Platform to Support Over One Crore Farmers

Karnataka is set to lead India’s next major agricultural shift with an Artificial Intelligence-powered advisory platform designed to support more than one crore farmers. Expected to launch by Kharif 2026, the system will deliver real-time, region-specific alerts directly to farmers in Kannada — marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.

Developed with ISRO, KSRSAC and BEL

According to Agriculture Department Director G.T. Putra, the platform is being developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation, the Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications Centre, and Bharat Electronics Limited. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited, and the platform will be operated from the Agriculture Department’s head office in Bengaluru.

The system aims to make critical agricultural information easily accessible by sending comprehensive advisories to farmers’ mobile phones.

Data-Driven, Region-Specific Support.

Deepaja S.M., Joint Director of Agriculture (Extension, Training and e-Governance), said the project is currently at the proposal stage. She explained that Karnataka already has data of more than one crore farmers registered under the Farmer Registration and Unified Beneficiary Information System, including village and location-specific details that will help tailor the advisories.

Guidance Across the Entire Crop Cycle

Once operational, the platform will guide farmers from sowing to harvesting. Ahead of the sowing season, farmers will receive monsoon-related forecasts, including information on early or delayed rainfall and recommended actions. During the crop-growing period, alerts will be sent on changes in humidity, adverse weather conditions, and appropriate pesticide usage. As harvesting approaches, farmers will receive cyclone warnings and guidance on whether to delay harvesting or protect their harvested crop. All alerts will be hyper-local, ensuring farmers receive information relevant to their exact region.

Beyond Weather Alerts: A Comprehensive Advisory System

Currently, Karnataka farmers receive rainfall updates through the Varuna Mithra help desk operated by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre. However, the upcoming AI-based system is expected to be far more detailed and comprehensive.

In addition to weather updates, farmers will receive information on government schemes and a wide range of production-related advisories once the platform is fully developed.