Hyderabad: ICRISAT has introduced a new mobile app called the “Plant Health Detector.” This app uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help farmers identify problems with their crops. It can detect diseases, pests, and nutrient shortages in crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, groundnut, rice, and maize.
The app was launched during ICRISAT’s 54th Foundation Day. ICRISAT Director General Himanshu Pathak explained that the app can recognize 45 different issues and gives real-time feedback. It uses a large dataset of 33,972 images to make accurate diagnoses, helping farmers reduce crop losses.
Pathak also shared that ICRISAT has released about 1,200 crop varieties, which are now used in 150 countries. These improved varieties have led to a 20 to 25 percent increase in crop yields, especially in dry areas.
He encouraged scientists to make full use of AI and new technologies to deal with problems like droughts and floods. He also mentioned that many people in African countries suffer from poor nutrition, and ICRISAT is working to boost farming productivity in those regions.
