SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 13: Climate Action
Institutions: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare | NITI Aayog
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has launched and operationalised an AI-powered weather forecasting programme during the 2025 Kharif season, delivering advance monsoon forecasts via SMS (m-Kisan) to 3.8 crore farmers across 13 states. Using Google’s Neural GCM and ECMWF’s AI Forecasting Systems, forecasts were provided up to four weeks before rainfall, making this the first initiative of its kind in India. The system successfully identified a 20-day monsoon pause this year, with weekly updates sent until rains resumed. Developed with the Development Innovation Lab–India and Precision Development, the programme ensures that information is tailored, actionable, and accessible. A review meeting on 8 September with Nobel Laureate Michael Kremer and NITI Aayog Member Ramesh Chand discussed its expansion to a wider farmer base in future years.
This initiative puts India at the global forefront of AI applications in agriculture by integrating open-access models with farmer-centric dissemination. It demonstrates how public institutions can operationalise AI to strengthen climate resilience, reduce risk, and provide equitable decision-making tools for millions of smallholders.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can India scale AI-driven forecasting nationwide while ensuring equitable access for smallholders, women farmers, and communities in low-connectivity regions?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2166074