APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 18/03/2025
For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (18-03-2025).
Mains Question
“The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture has the potential to revolutionize farming practices, enhance productivity, and address climate-related challenges. Discuss the benefits, challenges, and policy measures required to integrate AI-based crop monitoring systems in Indian agriculture, with special reference to Assam.” (GS Paper 3: Science & Technology, Agriculture, Digital Transformation)
Model Answer
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming global agriculture by optimizing crop management, improving yield predictions, and reducing resource wastage. India, with its large agrarian base and increasing climate vulnerabilities, can leverage AI-based technologies to make farming more efficient and sustainable.
Assam, which faces floods, erratic rainfall, and soil fertility issues, has launched an AI-Based Crop Monitoring System to provide real-time farm data, early pest detection, and climate-smart advisory services to farmers. However, limited digital literacy, infrastructure gaps, and affordability concerns pose challenges to widespread AI adoption in agriculture.
Significance of AI in Agriculture
✅ 1. Enhancing Crop Productivity & Yield Prediction
- AI-powered satellite imagery and drones help in real-time farm monitoring.
- Machine learning models analyze weather patterns, assisting farmers in making data-driven decisions.
✅ 2. Climate-Resilient Farming & Disaster Preparedness
- AI-based flood and drought prediction systems provide early warnings.
- Smart irrigation systems optimize water usage, crucial for Assam’s flood-prone and drought-hit regions.
✅ 3. Precision Farming & Sustainable Agriculture
- AI assists in customizing fertilizer and pesticide use, reducing environmental damage.
- Soil health monitoring ensures balanced nutrient management, increasing soil fertility.
✅ 4. Market Intelligence & Financial Inclusion for Farmers
- AI helps forecast crop demand, price trends, and optimize market linkages.
- AI-powered chatbots provide financial and subsidy-related information in regional languages like Assamese.
✅ 5. Strengthening Government Policy Implementation
- AI aids in faster crop insurance claim processing under PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
- Digital record-keeping ensures transparent distribution of farm subsidies.
Challenges in Implementing AI in Indian Agriculture
✅ 1. Digital Divide & Limited Farmer Awareness
- Many small and marginal farmers lack access to AI tools and smartphones.
- Low digital literacy makes AI adoption difficult in rural areas.
✅ 2. Infrastructure Gaps in Rural Connectivity
- Poor internet and electricity availability in villages hinder real-time AI monitoring.
- High-cost AI tools like drones and IoT devices remain inaccessible to small farmers.
✅ 3. Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Concerns
- Farmers’ data must be protected from misuse by private corporations.
- Lack of data regulation policies can lead to exploitation in pricing and market trends.
✅ 4. Affordability Issues for Small Farmers
- AI-based farming equipment is expensive, making it unaffordable for marginal farmers.
- Lack of financial incentives or subsidies for adopting AI-driven technology.
✅ 5. Resistance to Change & Trust Issues
- Farmers accustomed to traditional methods may be reluctant to trust AI recommendations.
- Need for human-AI collaboration rather than complete automation.
Government & Policy Measures to Promote AI in Agriculture
✅ 1. Expanding Digital Infrastructure in Rural Areas
- Strengthening BharatNet for high-speed internet in remote farming regions.
- Setting up AI-powered rural knowledge centers to provide real-time advisory services.
✅ 2. Providing Financial Support & Incentives
- Subsidizing AI-based agricultural tools under schemes like PM Kisan Samriddhi Yojana.
- Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to reduce AI adoption costs.
✅ 3. Capacity Building & Farmer Awareness Programs
- Digital literacy workshops for farmers in local languages (Assamese, Bodo, etc.).
- Training Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to educate farmers on AI-driven decision-making.
✅ 4. Developing AI-Integrated Crop Insurance & Credit Systems
- Linking AI-powered yield prediction models with PM Fasal Bima Yojana for faster compensation.
- Expanding AI-based risk assessment for easy farm loan approvals.
✅ 5. Strengthening Data Protection Laws for Agricultural AI Platforms
- Creating a regulatory framework for responsible AI use in farming.
- Ensuring farmers’ data privacy and preventing price manipulation by large agribusinesses.
Way Forward
✅ 1. Expanding AI-Based Crop Monitoring Across India
- Pilot projects in Assam can be scaled up to other flood-prone and climate-vulnerable states.
- Collaboration with global AI researchers to develop region-specific solutions.
✅ 2. Encouraging Agri-Tech Startups & Research Institutions
- Promoting homegrown AI startups working on low-cost farming solutions.
- Integrating AI with indigenous farming practices for better adaptability.
✅ 3. Developing AI-Based Agricultural Market Platforms
- Using AI to analyze crop demand and prevent overproduction losses.
- AI-enabled real-time price monitoring to ensure fair market access for farmers.
✅ 4. Strengthening AI Regulations & Ethical Use in Agriculture
- Ensuring equitable AI access for small farmers, not just large agribusinesses.
- Creating a National AI Ethics Board for Agriculture to address misuse concerns.
Conclusion
AI in agriculture has the potential to transform Indian farming by enhancing efficiency, climate resilience, and economic returns. Assam’s initiative to launch an AI-based Crop Monitoring System is a crucial step toward modernizing its agrarian sector.
However, challenges like digital literacy, affordability, and data security must be addressed to ensure AI adoption benefits all farmers, especially smallholders. With strong government support, rural AI infrastructure, and capacity-building programs, AI-driven agriculture can become a cornerstone of India’s food security and economic growth.
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