Farmers in India are increasingly leveraging technology to tackle the unpredictable weather brought on by climate change. The Indian Ministry of Agriculture is pioneering artificial intelligence-based monsoon forecasts, offering predictions up to 30 days in advance to 38 million farmers. This initiative, in collaboration with a global research team led by the University of Chicago, utilizes advanced AI models like Google’s Neural GCM and ECMWF’s AI Forecasting System, combining them with historical rainfall data for enhanced accuracy. The program empowers farmers to make informed decisions, as evidenced by farmer Parasnath Tiwari using forecasts to optimize crop selections. With direct communication via SMS and voice messages, real-time updates aim to reach over a million farmers, with evidence showing increased trust in AI predictions. As ECMWF continues to promote accessible weather data, this innovative approach serves as a model for agricultural resilience in developing countries, boosting farming efficiency and sustainability.
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