Hyderabad: Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) introduced AI-based farming technology to promote labour-free agriculture with financial support from the State Bank of India (SBI).
The university launched the initiative to address labour shortages, pest attacks and climate-related yield losses. Through this move, PJTSAU set up a smart laboratory using artificial intelligence, robotics and Internet of Things systems to support precision farming.
Scientists said AI-based farming technology would track soil moisture, nutrient levels and pest activity in real time. As a result, the system would send early warnings to farmers through mobile messages. The university also planned to extend these services to small and marginal farmers shortly.
Moreover, the project introduced automated drip irrigation to regulate water supply efficiently. Net houses received automatic fogging systems to manage temperature and humidity. In addition, precision spraying systems ensured pesticides reached only affected areas, which reduced chemical use.
IoT sensors measured nitrogen, phosphorus and soil moisture instantly. These sensors fed data into a centralised platform, which guided irrigation schedules and fertiliser application. Therefore, farmers could make timely and accurate decisions.
AI-based farming technology to tackle labour and climate stress
PJTSAU planned a central data centre to link AI, robotic and IoT operations across three wings. Through this structure, the university aimed to deliver affordable scientific solutions to long-standing agricultural problems.
In recent years, farmers faced rising costs due to labour scarcity, pest outbreaks and climate change. Consequently, yields dropped, and debts increased. University officials said AI-based farming technology would reduce these risks by improving efficiency and lowering input costs.
To attract youth to agriculture, PJTSAU focused on modern training and advanced tools. AI-enabled robotic machines performed sowing, transplanting and weeding through mobile-based remote control. These machines planted crops at fixed depths and distances, which improved uniformity.
Camera-based systems allowed robots to detect and remove weeds accurately. At the same time, the machines applied fertilisers and chemicals in limited quantities. As a result, chemical usage remained low, and costs declined.
Furthermore, AI-driven decision-support systems helped farmers manage crops effectively. Automatic weather stations collected data on temperature, rainfall, wind speed and atmospheric pressure. This data supported timely farm decisions.
Sensors linked to drip irrigation systems supplied water automatically when moisture levels dropped. Therefore, water wastage reduced significantly. In net houses, foggers are activated during high temperatures and maintain balanced humidity.
Meanwhile, drones fitted with AI cameras detected pest attacks, nutrient deficiencies and water stress early. These alerts allowed farmers to respond before damage spread.
The university said the laboratory aimed to make AI-based farming technology accessible to rural small and marginal farmers. The project received ₹15 crore under SBI’s corporate social responsibility funding from university alumnus and SBI Chairman Challa Srinivasulu Shetty.
Vice-Chancellor Janardhan said the university completed the project design within nine months. He added that the initiative targeted climate change, soil degradation, pest attacks, low yields, high costs and labour shortages through low-cost scientific solutions.