Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has partnered with Google Cloud to establish the Uttar Pradesh Open Network for Agriculture (UPONA), an AI-enabled digital public infrastructure designed to modernize the state’s agricultural ecosystem. The initiative, supported by advanced tools like Google Cloud’s Gemini and Beacon, aims to provide farmers with real-time information and access to critical services.
MoU to Modernize Agriculture
Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and Google Cloud (India) Vice President Anil Bhansali signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lucknow to formalize the collaboration. The project integrates weather stations across tehsils with the network to offer precise climate data and advisory services. According to Singh, the network seeks to equip farmers with modern resources, empowering them to make informed decisions and improve productivity.
Key Features of UPONA
Real-Time Data Access: Farmers will receive real-time updates on microclimates, market prices, and weather conditions, helping them optimize crop yields and market strategies.
One-Stop Access: The platform provides consolidated advisory services, credit options, mechanization tools, and market connectivity for selling produce.
Open Participation: The decentralized network allows service providers, including input suppliers, financial institutions, and government agencies, to collaborate and develop tailored solutions for farmers.
India’s First State-Level AI Initiative in Agriculture
The UPONA project is India’s first state-level initiative leveraging artificial intelligence to transform agriculture. Google Cloud (India) Vice President Bikram Singh Bedi noted that the platform is designed as a digital public infrastructure to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for farmers.
This move aligns with the state government’s broader goals of digital governance and improving farmers’ livelihoods, signaling a significant step in integrating technology into traditional farming practices.
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