ICARDA and the Madhya Pradesh State Government in India has partnered with the Directorate of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development to establish a network of high-tech IoT precision farming devices in the Khargone and Sehore districts of the state. This initiative is a significant step forward for agri-innovation, providing farmers with real-time planting advice through our GeoAgro-iKrishi system (app and dashboard). The system uses ICARDA's GeoAgro Platform and IT technology, allowing for two-way communication between farmers and experts. The modern approach to farming provides farmers with instant and accurate information about their resources, enabling them to make smart choices about how to best use their resources. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are used to analyze nearby and faraway images and real-time hydrometeorological data, enabling the creation of real-time advisories for farmers on their phones.

These advisories help farmers fine-tune their irrigation and fertilization, set up pest control measures, and more. The precision farming sensor network includes agroclimatic weather stations that measure hydrometeorological variables, and estimate pest populations over time. Soil moisture and temperature monitors, soil fertility tests kits, groundwater sensors, satellite pictures, and drone images provide a comprehensive view of larger areas. Farmers who receive real-time advisories gain valuable insights into their crop needs and land fertility. For instance, in the Kharif season of 2023, farmers were able to plant their fall crops as soon as the summer rains started, but the monsoon arrived later than expected, making it difficult for them to complete their work on time. The iKrishi app provided farmers with 7-day weather forecasts, helping them stay informed and make informed decisions. Farmers also benefit from the guidance on using inorganic fertilizers based on crop needs and land fertility. Precision fertilizer advisory helped farmers save an average of 700–1000 INR/acre during the wheat season by lowering the amount of phosphorus. The app and dashboard, designed with well-designed digital interfaces, facilitate communication between farmers and experts. The project aims to offer advice to farmers in the area and make the answer available across the state. The operational system stands out for its impact on the ground and well-designed digital interfaces, making it easy for farmers and experts to communicate.