29th June 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant stride toward modernizing agriculture in Nepal, the AI-based voice advisory system of the ‘Connect Kisan’ app has officially been launched.
Connect Kisan AI-Based Voice Advisory
This innovative platform, designed to leverage artificial intelligence for the benefit of farmers, was unveiled during a two-day event titled “A² – Agri and AI Innovation Storytelling.”
A Fusion of Agri and AI
The program, which concluded on Ashar 13, began at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) in Khumaltar. The second day featured a compelling live demonstration of AI-driven crop monitoring and livestock management systems at Norm Agro Farm, showcasing the practical applications of the technology.
Addressing the Needs of Nepalese Farmers
Former Agriculture Secretary Yogendra Karki highlighted the crucial role of AI in the digital era, urging the government to support local innovations. He emphasized that integrating technology into policy-making is essential for bringing youth back to the agriculture sector.
Rajan Dahal, Director of the Connect Kisan app, underscored the platform’s accessibility. He noted that the voice-based system is more practical for Nepalese farmers than text-based platforms, as it was developed with a deep understanding of their language and behavior. The app has already received over 2,000 queries, indicating a strong demand for such a service.
Innovative Solutions on Display
The event also featured presentations on other digital innovations. Dr. Anupama Shrestha demonstrated how AI and digital tools can combat crop diseases like club root and mushroom infections. She shared data revealing that selling pesticide-free vegetables can boost income by up to 20%, highlighting the economic benefits of such technology.
Additionally, Satish Marhajan from CIMMYT presented a digital soil map that provides detailed information on soil, fertilizer, and organic composition across various regions in Nepal. By converting scattered soil data into a machine learning format, this tool enables better analysis and utilization for farmers.
The two-day program saw enthusiastic participation from a diverse group, including researchers, policymakers, farmers, and young entrepreneurs. The successful conclusion of the event marks a promising beginning for the integration of AI in Nepalese agriculture, with the potential to empower farmers and drive the sector forward.
For more: Connect Kisan AI-Based Voice Advisory