Now, farmers to benefit from AI-based website, mobile app

TURA, April 11: Farmers from Garo Hills region can now better look after their crops with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in West Garo Hills informing that an artificial intelligence (AI)-based website and a mobile app has been created for identification of pests, diseases and nutrient deficiencies in cashew crop.
According to a statement here, the app has been developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Directorate of Cashew Research in Puttur, Karnataka.
“ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, has included the Garo language for easy understanding of people from Meghalaya, especially farmers. Farming community needs expert advice for management of pests and diseases along with identifying nutrient deficiencies in cashew crops,” the statement said.
It has also been informed that the mobile app will help the farmers to a great extent and, in the long run, the app will help in diagnosing about 60 cashew pests, 20 diseases and 10 nutrient deficiencies instantly from the uploaded images.
The statement further informed that options have been made available for contacting experts and sharing photos on social media in case of no detection or unsatisfactory results.
“This will help in early forecasting of these problems and alert farmers in a particular region. Further, it helps to channelise efforts and inputs required for management by the concerned agencies in the region of the country,” the statement said.