AI-Driven Agricultural Advisory Systems And Institutional Mediation: Evidence From Smallholder Farmers In Amravati Division, Maharashtra
Published 2025-11-10
Keywords
- AI-Enabled Agriculture; Digital Advisory Systems; Agricultural Technology Adoption; Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs); Smallholder Livelihoods; Sustainability and Climate Resilience; Data-Driven Decision Support; Vidarbha; Maharashtra; Mixed-Method Analysis.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
This study investigates how AI-driven agricultural advisory services influence productivity, sustainability, and livelihood outcomes in the Amravati Division of Maharashtra. A survey of 500 farmers was complemented by interviews with 33 stakeholders, including representatives from Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), government departments, and Ag-Tech firms. A majority of farmers adopted at least one Ag-Tech tool, including AI-based mobile advisory services, smart irrigation systems, and digital soil-testing kits. Adopters reported an average yield increase of 22.3%, a 15.6% reduction in input costs, and over 50% improvement in irrigation efficiency. However, barriers such as low digital literacy and connectivity gaps persist. The long-term success of Ag-Tech adoption depends not only on technological innovation but also on institutional design and trust-building mechanisms within farming communities.