Context:
India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare plans to expand its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) nationwide to mitigate crop losses from pests, weeds, and diseases. The system leverages AI-based image recognition to detect pest attacks and issue advisories.
Key Highlights
- Launched: 15 August 2024
- Current Reach: ~30,000 users (farmers & extension workers)
- Planned Expansion: Up to 146 million farmers
- Coverage: Currently supports pest detection in 61 crops
Functionality
- Farmers upload images of affected crops or pests
- AI model identifies pest type using computer vision
- Provides targeted pest management advice, reducing:
- Crop losses
- Indiscriminate pesticide use
Significance
- Annual crop losses due to pests, weeds, and diseases: 10–35%
- Pest infestation varies by climate conditions (temperature, humidity, rainfall), crop type, and farming practices
- AI helps differentiate pests from beneficial insects
- Supports sustainable pest management
Broader Impact
- Agriculture contributes 18% to India’s GDP
- Sector engages 46% of India’s population
- Improved pest surveillance aids:
- Food security
- Farmer income protection
- Inflation control
