A team from Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, has innovated an AI-based tool, AgriCure, to detect diseases and nutrient deficiencies in bitter gourd leaves, enhancing crop health monitoring. Published in ‘Current Plant Biology’, the web-based application utilizes a layered augmentation-enhanced deep learning model, allowing farmers to diagnose plant issues by uploading or capturing leaf photos. Unlike traditional methods, which are often slow and require expert assistance, AgriCure offers immediate analysis and corrective suggestions for diseases like downy mildew and nutrient deficiencies such as nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium. Led by Dr. Kamaldeep Joshi and a team of researchers from MDU and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, this project aims to promote sustainable agriculture through real-time decision-making tools. Future expansions include integrating AgriCure with drones and IoT devices for improved monitoring, and adaptations for other crops, broadening its impact across Indian agriculture.
