Adopt Modern Orchard Farming Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology – Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Satara : Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is now being used across various sectors, and the state government has also incorporated it into many departments. In this year’s state budget, a provision of ₹500 crore has been allocated for AI. Farmers should adopt modern orchard farming by utilizing AI technology to increase agricultural yield with minimal water usage and lower production costs—particularly in crops like sugarcane, onion, soybean, and cotton, said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

He was addressing a civic felicitation and farmers’ gathering held at the market yard in Piponde Bk., Koregaon Taluka. The event was attended by Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation Makrand Patil, MP Nitin Patil, MLA Sachin Patil, and various institutional leaders.

Deputy CM Pawar emphasized that the use of AI in agriculture helps reduce production costs while ensuring higher and more reliable yields. He noted that today, farmers can access vital information on their mobile phones—such as crop health, water usage, precise fertilizer management, soil quality, pest control, weather forecasts, and sustainable markets for their produce. He urged farmers to focus on AI-based modern farming, as this technology is the key to increasing income in agriculture. He assured that the state government will always stand by the farmers and will not let funds become a constraint in their development.

He further added that the government is making continuous efforts to provide sustainable market access for the fruit orchards cultivated by farmers.

Speaking on regional issues, Pawar mentioned that the government is actively working to resolve water problems for both drinking and irrigation in 26 villages of North Koregaon. Officials have been instructed to take necessary steps to address the issue, and work has already begun. A proposed dam at Solshi—falling within the Mahabaleshwar taluka—has received initial funding for survey and early-stage construction. The water problem here will be addressed through consultations and planning.

Minister Makrand Patil stated that the government gives top priority to solving the water issues in drought-prone talukas on a permanent basis and will ensure no shortage of funds for this purpose.

The event began with a grand civic felicitation of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Minister Makrand Patil, and MP Nitin Patil.