Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra: AI Advisory Service for Farmers

Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra: AI Advisory Service for Farmers

#GS-3 #Economy #Agriculture #Science & Technology #ICT #Current Events #National #Gujarat

Why in News

  • The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare shared details about ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’ across the country.
  • This is India's first WhatsApp-based AI advisory service for growing oilseeds.
  • Farmers are using this tool as they start the important kharif sowing season.

About Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra

  • Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra works as a round-the-clock digital chatbot that supports multiple languages directly on WhatsApp.
  • It acts as a free scientific helpline that connects regular farmers with years of farming research.
  • Farmers do not need to download extra apps or use complicated web browsers to use it.

Developed By

  • The ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR) based in Hyderabad built this digital platform.

How to Access and How It Works

  • Farmers can start by saving the official number +91 4024598180 as ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’ in their phone contacts.
  • Users can open WhatsApp and send a question about their crops through text or voice in their own regional language.
  • The smart AI system reads the local language, checks a verified science database, and sends back tested advice right away.

Key Features of the Platform

  • It gives exact, local advice for major oilseed crops like groundnut, mustard, sesame, sunflower, soybean, and niger.
  • The system uses natural language processing to understand and reply in all official Indian regional languages such as Hindi, Kannada, Gujarati, Telugu, and Malayalam.
  • It helps farmers select high-yield seed varieties and tells them where to find good seeds.
  • It guides farmers through soil preparation and the right sowing methods.
  • It helps identify pests, weeds, and plant diseases in real time.
  • It offers advice on proper watering schedules and specific fertilizer use.
  • It gives tips on post-harvest work, drying crops, and safe storage techniques.
  • The database brings together research from several top institutions including the ICAR-National Soybean Research Institute, Indore (NSRI), the ICAR-Indian Institute of Groundnut Research, Junagadh (IIGR), and the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rapeseed and Mustard Research, Bharatpur (IIRMR), along with the Project Coordinating Unit for Sesame & Niger.