The Silicon Review ^Asia

Microsoft is taking serious steps to empower farmers in India by using its AI technology. Along with that, the company is also improving the healthcare sector.

India’s neighbor China is already on the top in the field of farming and has been using AI to empower farmers earlier than India. Therefore, India has now started its journey to deploy AI sensors in the fields.

Microsoft’s main goal is to provide a platform for the farmers which can digitally save information to minimize the costs and increase yields. Since AI leverage cloud computing, a single smartphone would be enough to provide all the data for farmers.

As per the President of Microsoft India, the company has started allowing small-hold farmers in India to boost their income through controlling prices and by producing good quality crops.

The tech behemoth is working with United Phosphorus to deliver front end-capabilities for farmers. The company has also joined hands with the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to manufacture an AI app based on sowing.

The app is specially designed to send sowing advisories to participating farmers on the ideal date to sow.To use the app, no installation of sensors is required. All they require is a phone which can receive text messages.

Another company called Escorts are also with Microsoft to allow provide precision agricultural capabilities to farmers. The company is utilizing Microsoft’s AI and cloud technology for the initiative.