AI-driven farming transforms Samastipur village by RPCAU’s support: VC

Patna: At a time when India is hosting a global summit on AI impact, Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) said it was pioneering digital agriculture in the country by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and advanced technologies into its research, education, and farming practices.

RPCAU’s vice-chancellor P S Pandey told this newspaper that the university is at the forefront of promoting digital agriculture in Bihar, leveraging AI to transform farming practices. The university has established the ‘Fasal IoT-SaaS platform’, which enables farmers to transition from traditional “gut instinct” farming to high-precision, data-driven agriculture. By utilising the latest AI tools in agriculture, Kothiya village of Samastipur district has, of late, converted into a digital agriculture model village, he said.


Through this initiative, the VC said, farmers in Kothiya village and surrounding areas are using AI-powered tools to optimise their agricultural practices. The Fasal platform provides real-time insights on soil moisture, temperature, and weather forecasts, allowing farmers to make informed decisions. Key features of the technology include precision irrigation, early pest and disease warnings, hyper-local weather forecasts, and automated fertigation, he said.

The impact of this initiative has been significant. Farmers have reported a 30-40% increase in crop yields and substantial reductions in production costs.

The RPCAU extension services have played a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of these tools, bridging the “lab to farm” gap and empowering local farmers to manage high-value crops like litchi, maize, and turmeric more effectively, he said.

Pandey further said the village farmers use a smartphone-controlled drip irrigation system, IoT sensors, and AI-enhanced surveillance to maximize productivity and quality of crops. The university’s efforts have not only improved crop yields but also contributed to resource efficiency and quality control. The university’s focus on digital agriculture has helped farmers increase their revenue, with some reporting annual turnovers of Rs3 to 4 crore.

The VC further said that by harnessing the power of AI and digital technologies, the university has been empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions, improve crop yields, and increase their incomes. As the university continues to expand its digital agriculture initiatives, it is likely to have a profound impact on the future of farming in India in general and Bihar in particular, he added.