The government has underscored the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture, projecting that strategic and widespread adoption of AI-driven solutions could contribute nearly ₹70,000 crore (approximately US$ 7.71 billion) to the economy. The announcement was highlighted during the AI4 Agri 2026 conference held in Mumbai, where policymakers and industry leaders gathered to explore the future of digital farming.
Speaking at the event, Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, emphasised that AI-powered tools can significantly improve farm productivity, lower operational costs, and reduce risks faced by farmers. According to him, technology adoption is critical to strengthening food security and ensuring sustainable rural development.
AI as a Game-Changer for Farmers
Agriculture remains a primary livelihood source for millions, particularly across the Global South, where nearly 600 million people rely on farming. However, the sector faces mounting pressures from climate change, soil degradation, unpredictable weather patterns, and health-related challenges.
AI-driven solutions can address these issues by offering:
- Real-time weather forecasting
- Early warning systems for extreme weather events
- Crop health monitoring through satellite imaging and analytics
- Predictive crop yield assessments
- Disaster preparedness and risk management tools
By leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning models, farmers can make informed decisions about sowing, irrigation, fertiliser use, and harvesting cycles. This data-backed approach can enhance output while optimising resource use such as water and energy.
Collaboration at AI4 Agri 2026
The two-day AI4 Agri 2026 conference brought together scientists, policymakers, startups, agritech companies, and entrepreneurs to deliberate on accelerating digital transformation in the farm sector. The platform facilitated discussions on scaling AI adoption, bridging the digital divide in rural areas, and creating affordable tech solutions for small and marginal farmers.
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the event to promote partnerships between research institutions, government bodies, and private enterprises. The goal is to fast-track innovation and create scalable AI-based agricultural models.
Jitendra Singh called for a collective effort to position India as a global leader in AI-enabled agricultural solutions. He stressed that innovation, combined with grassroots implementation, is essential for long-term resilience in food production systems.
Driving Climate-Resilient Growth
The integration of AI into agriculture aligns with India’s broader push toward climate-resilient farming practices. Advanced analytics can support precision agriculture — reducing wastage of fertilisers and water while increasing yield efficiency. This not only improves farmers’ incomes but also reduces environmental impact.
By harnessing digital tools, the country aims to create smarter supply chains, improve crop insurance frameworks, and strengthen farm-to-market connectivity. The emphasis on science and technology in agriculture also reinforces rural empowerment and economic inclusion.
📝 Summary
At the AI4 Agri 2026 conference in Mumbai, Jitendra Singh highlighted that smart AI adoption in agriculture could add nearly ₹70,000 crore (US$ 7.71 billion) to the economy. AI-based solutions can improve productivity, reduce risks, and promote climate-resilient farming through real-time forecasting and predictive analytics. With strong collaboration between government, industry, and academia, India aims to lead in AI-powered agricultural innovation while strengthening food security and sustainable development.