AI-Driven Farming, Smarter Procurement to Shape Telangana's Agricultural Future

In a significant push towards modernising agriculture, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has called for the extensive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies across the state's farming sector. The move is aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing transparency and creating a data-driven agricultural ecosystem capable of supporting farmers from sowing to procurement.

Chairing a high-level review meeting with ministers and senior officials on Tuesday, the Chief Minister stressed that technology should be integrated into every stage of the agricultural value chain, including seed distribution, crop monitoring, yield estimation and procurement. He directed officials to develop a comprehensive system that captures real-time information on cultivation patterns, crop choices, expected yields and procurement requirements. According to the government, such a database would help improve planning, anticipate market arrivals and enable quicker policy interventions when required.

As part of the initiative, the state is considering the expansion of an AI pilot project implemented in Dammapeta mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district. Officials have been asked to study the project's outcomes and explore how artificial intelligence can be deployed on a wider scale to support decision-making, improve field-level monitoring and strengthen agricultural services.

One of the key proposals emerging from the review meeting is the introduction of a digital platform for fertilizer distribution. Under the proposed system, farmers will be able to book urea and other fertilizers through a mobile application , bringing greater transparency and accountability to the supply process. The booked fertilizers will be distributed through Rythu Vedikas , which the government plans to transform into integrated agricultural service centres. Farmers will be able to register their details, access government services and purchase agricultural inputs at these centres, while officials from various departments will be available to provide support.

The government is also focusing on boosting the cultivation of fine rice varieties by making selected paddy seeds available at subsidised rates. Since farmers growing fine varieties are already eligible for a government bonus, the initiative is expected to encourage wider adoption and improve farm incomes.

Revanth Reddy also underscored the importance of ensuring smooth procurement operations at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and directed officials to prepare contingency plans for challenges such as unseasonal rains and transportation bottlenecks. The state will seek higher allocations of urea for the upcoming Kharif season and push for a larger share of production from the Ramagundam Fertilizer Plant. The measures collectively signal Telangana's ambition to leverage technology, institutional reforms and better planning to build a more resilient and farmer-centric agricultural sector.