Scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have developed an artificial intelligence-based tool that can identify nutrient deficiencies in crops by analysing photographs of leaves. The technology is expected to help farmers detect problems at an early stage, apply fertilisers more accurately and improve crop productivity.
Nutrient deficiencies often go unnoticed during the early stages of crop growth. By the time visible symptoms appear across the field, yield losses may already have begun. Researchers say AI can help farmers identify these problems quickly using a smartphone image.
The AI system analyses leaf colour, texture and visual patterns to identify nutrient deficiencies such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium shortages.
Instead of relying only on visual observation, farmers can upload leaf images for rapid analysis. The system compares the images with thousands of reference samples and provides likely diagnoses along with recommended corrective measures.
Scientists say early intervention can prevent deficiencies from spreading and reduce production losses.
Better Fertiliser Management
Incorrect fertiliser application increases cultivation costs and can affect soil health.
The AI tool helps farmers apply nutrients only where they are needed. This improves fertiliser-use efficiency while reducing unnecessary input costs and minimising nutrient losses to the environment.
Researchers believe precision nutrient management will become increasingly important as fertiliser prices continue to rise.
The new technology is designed to work with smartphones, making it accessible to a large number of farmers.
Agricultural extension officers can also use the platform during field visits to provide faster recommendations. The system supports digital agriculture by combining artificial intelligence with scientific crop advisory services.
Researchers are working to improve the model by adding more crops and expanding the image database collected from different agro-climatic regions.
Helping Farmers Make Better Decisions
Scientists believe artificial intelligence will become an important decision-support tool in Indian agriculture. Technologies that identify crop problems early can improve productivity while reducing avoidable expenditure on fertilisers and crop protection chemicals.
As ICAR continues to expand digital advisory services, AI-based nutrient diagnosis is expected to complement soil testing, weather advisories and precision farming technologies. The innovation could help farmers make faster, science-based decisions while improving both crop yields and farm profitability.
Also Read: Punarnava Jal – The world’s first organic fertilizer! Know how it is beneficial for farmers?
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