AI in agriculture: Punjab highlights IIT Ropar Annam.AI weather stations for farmers

Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said farming’s future rested on innovation and technology use. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said artificial intelligence was already helping farmers. Gurmeet Singh Khudian linked this need to rising climate risks. Gurmeet Singh Khudian spoke at the Smart Agri Summit 2026 at IIT Ropar.

Representative image

Gurmeet Singh Khudian said it was vital to pair land knowledge with data power. Gurmeet Singh Khudian praised IIT Ropar’s Annam.AI for applying advanced tools for farmers. Gurmeet Singh Khudian also noted that technology could support better farm choices. The remarks were made during the summit programme.

Artificial intelligence for agriculture at IIT Ropar

Pushpendra Singh, Project Director of Annam.AI, said, "Our focus is on bringing together research, technology, and on-ground implementation to solve real challenges faced by farmers. By combining real-time data with scientific insights, we aim to make farming more productive, sustainable, and climate resilient. Through these initiatives, we are enabling a more technology-driven and resilient agricultural ecosystem in India.\"

Annam.AI is a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture. The project has started a Weather Intelligence Network planned to scale across India. Annam.AI began deploying 100 advanced weather stations. Punjab was selected as the first implementation hub for the rollout.

Artificial intelligence for agriculture and weather stations in Punjab

The AI-based stations are set to provide hyperlocal, real-time weather information. The data is meant to help farmers time sowing and irrigation better. It may also support crop protection decisions. The initiative is framed as a model that can expand nationwide.

The statement said the network aimed to cut climate-related risks and raise farm productivity. Annam.AI also planned steps to improve use of the new tools. The plan included training support for people working around agriculture. The aim was to make adoption practical at the ground level.

Artificial intelligence for agriculture training for 10,000 learners

Annam.AI will roll out fully funded AI training for 10,000 students, rural youth, and Agri-professionals. The skilling programme is intended to build field-ready capability. It also aims to create a pipeline of people who can apply AI in agriculture at scale. The statement described it as a way to support wider deployment.

Speakers at the Smart Agri Summit 2026 stressed that data-led tools could support farm decisions. The Punjab rollout of 100 weather stations and the training plan were key measures. Officials linked the work to climate pressures and productivity needs. The programme at IIT Ropar set out a route for wider expansion in India.

With inputs from PTI