Drones, AI are transforming farming in Punjab

FAISALABAD: In a remarkable shift towards modern agriculture, the lush wheat fields of Punjab can now be seen being monitored by drones, while innovative technologies are replacing traditional manual labour and local farmers are experiencing a new era of farming, using mobile apps to manage crop health and optimise resources with just a few taps on their devices.

One of the key advancements is the agricultural artificial intelligence app, Kisan360. Developed as a result of the China-Pakistan cooperation project, Kisan360 employs computer vision techniques to enable high-throughput crop monitoring, aligning with climate-smart agricultural practices, reported The Express Tribune.

Dr. Wu Jun, the project leader from China, explained the functionality of the app, which integrates drone technology and visual recognition for comprehensive crop management. “Our system covers various aspects such as intelligent management, cultivation, pest and disease analysis, and precise agricultural production monitoring,” he said.

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Initially met with scepticism from farmers who feared the complexity and effectiveness of such technology, the project team took proactive measures. They developed user-friendly text guides and audio-visual materials in local dialects, which have been crucial in building trust and facilitating understanding among the farming communities.

Saqib Ali, a Pakistani researcher involved in the project, highlighted the urgent need for technology-driven agricultural practices amidst severe heat waves and water shortages impacting farmers. “Real-time data is vital for helping farmers optimise their planting decisions and enhancing food security in their communities.”

“Previously, I could only evaluate my fields’ performance during harvest time. Now, I check crop health regularly on my mobile and can address problems early, which has significantly improved my yields and reduced losses,” noted Muhammad Taj, a Gujranwala farmer.

Kisan360 is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Android Play Store, with approximately 1,000 farmers already engaged after training sessions held in Punjab and Islamabad.

The app utilises satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to provide farmers with immediate insights into moisture and nitrogen levels, thereby allowing them to make informed decisions about fertilization. The reports are accessible in Urdu, ensuring understanding among local users.

Furthermore, a ChatBot integrated into the app, developed using the DeepSeek model, is currently in testing. The model is being tailored to fit the specific agricultural needs of Pakistan, incorporating local knowledge to enhance the insights provided to farmers.

With backing from the World Bank and the Asian Disaster Management Centre, the China-Pakistan Agricultural Laboratory plans to spread this innovative technology across Pakistan within two years, aiming to significantly boost sustainable agricultural development through AI solutions.