India’s Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), under the Department of Telecommunications, hosted the second meeting of the UN Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems (GI-AI4FS). The GI-AI4FS Initiative seeks to promote responsible and inclusive use of technology across agriculture and food systems.
About Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems
- Nature: A United Nations initiative promoting responsible Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and food systems through the GI-AI4FS Initiative.
- Coordinating agency: International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
- Partner organisations: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and World Food Programme (WFP).
- Objective: Develop trustworthy, interoperable and farmer-centric AI technologies for AI in Agri-Food Systems.
- Focus: International cooperation, common technical standards and practical agricultural applications, including AI for Sustainable Agriculture and Global AI Agriculture Initiative.
Significance for Agriculture
- Precision farming: AI supports efficient irrigation, fertiliser application and crop monitoring through AI-Based Precision Farming and Smart Farming Technology.
- Climate resilience: Predictive tools help farmers prepare for droughts, floods and pest attacks.
- Food security: Better forecasting reduces crop losses and improves supply chains, strengthening AI and Food Security.
- Farmer empowerment: Digital advisory services provide timely information to small farmers and support Digital Agriculture in India.
- Example: India’s Kisan e-Mitra AI chatbot helps farmers access information on government agricultural schemes.
Challenges
- Limited rural internet connectivity and digital literacy.
- High technology costs and unequal access among small farmers.
- Concerns regarding farmers’ data privacy and algorithmic bias.
About International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Established: 1865 as the International Telegraph Union; became a UN specialised agency in 1947.
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Role: Develops global telecommunications standards and promotes digital connectivity.
- India: Member since 1869 and a regular ITU Council member since 1952.
Conclusion
Responsible and inclusive AI adoption can transform agriculture by improving productivity, strengthening climate resilience and ensuring food security. The Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems, Agricultural Technology UPSC, AI in Agriculture UPSC and Agriculture Current Affairs UPSC perspectives highlight the importance of developing Sustainable Food Systems through responsible and farmer-centric AI.
