How AI, Sensors & Robots Are Helping Farmers Save Water, Boost Yields & Reduce Costs

Farming is changing — and fast. As the world faces bigger challenges like climate change and limited natural resources, agriculture is stepping into a new era where sustainability isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity.

To meet these demands, a wave of innovators is stepping up with smart, practical solutions that help farmers save money, use fewer resources, and grow more efficiently. From cutting-edge tools to data-driven techniques, these changemakers are making farming smarter and more sustainable.

In this piece, we explore five breakthrough agri-tech innovations that are transforming the way food is grown. These ideas are not just boosting productivity — they’re helping secure the future of farming for the next generation.

1. Mahesh T, CultYvate

In Karnataka’s Mandya district, despite access to water from five rivers, including the Cauvery and Hemavathi, farmers often face shortages due to inefficient irrigation techniques. This problem prompted Malesh T to create CultYvate, an agri-tech platform that helps farmers manage water use more effectively.

Mahesh observed that paddy fields required vast amounts of water, yet farmers had no way to accurately measure usage, leading to overuse and related problems like fungal diseases.

Launched in 2016, CultYvate enables farmers to monitor crops from home, optimise irrigation, and cut water use by up to 40 percent — significantly cutting costs. The platform also helps analyse climatic conditions, reduce disease risks, and boost crop productivity.

2. Dr Rajul Patkar, NutriSens

Dr Rajul Patkar of Proximal Soilsens Technologies highlights that farmers unknowingly overuse fertilisers, which can harm crop yields. Along with Dr Mukul Singh, she created NutriSens, a portable, affordable soil testing device.

The device quickly tests six key parameters, including pH and nitrate levels, delivering results in under five minutes. Farmers can perform up to 25 tests a day and instantly download soil health cards. Cultivators across states like Assam, Punjab, and Telangana are already seeing the benefits of the soil testing device, enabling more precise and efficient use of fertilisers.

3. Calvin Aranha and Farish Anfal, Krop AI

Karnataka-based Calvin Aranha and Farish Anfal founded Krop AI, a hydroponics startup, aimed at revolutionising farming through technology and automation. Their container farm setups offer a sustainable alternative to traditional polyhouse farming, with the goal of increasing farmers’ income and resilience to climate change. 

They developed their own vertical 3D pipes, allowing precise control over environmental factors such as light spectrum and temperature — enhancing crop quality and reducing costs. Their system saves 95 percent of water by reusing it and cuts operational costs by 50 percent.

For instance, AI-enabled hydroponics reduces the cost of growing strawberries from Rs 800 to Rs 300 per kg. This weather-independent, indoor approach is designed to benefit small and mid-sized farmers by ensuring consistent, high-quality produce.

4. Jaisimha Rao, Niqo Robotics

Jaisimha Rao developed AI-powered spot spray robots that selectively target plants, reducing soil chemical damage. Traditional pesticide application methods expose farmers to health risks and inflate costs.

Founded in 2015, Niqo Robotics offers sustainable solutions through its “see, select, spray” process, which uses cameras to identify plants and precisely apply pesticides. This innovative approach can cut pesticide expenses by up to 60 percent, making farming safer and more economical.

5. Sangita Sawalakhe, Vidarbha Biotech Ltd

Moved by the rising number of farmer suicides, agriculture entomologist Sangita Sawalakhe founded Vidarbha Biotech Ltd to promote organic farming. Her innovations in bio alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilisers have benefited over 10,000 farmers in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab.

Bio-fertilisers require just one litre per acre — compared to 100–150 kg of chemical fertilisers — and cost one-third as much. Bio-pesticides and bio-fungicides also need fewer applications, reducing costs and preventing pest resistance. Farmers using her solutions can save around Rs 10,000 per acre, making agriculture more financially sustainable.

Edited by Khushi Arora.