Innovative AI Project Launched for Tea Plantation Monitoring in India
Groundbreaking MoU for Tea Industry Enhancement
The tea garden in Majuli
Guwahati, Sept 5: The Tea Board of India has entered into a collaborative agreement with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) and the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, to initiate a research and development project focused on AI-driven geospatial data analytics aimed at monitoring tea plantations.
This initiative is set to continue until March 2029 and will be rolled out in key tea-producing areas across the nation.
Utilizing hyperspectral and optical remote sensing data sourced from satellites and drones, along with ground observations, weather data, and entomological information, the project aspires to transform the monitoring of tea plantations through sophisticated AI and machine learning techniques.
The goal is to create AI and ML algorithms that will facilitate automatic mapping of tea cultivation zones, identify and automate the monitoring of both biotic and abiotic stresses using hyperspectral data, predict significant pests and diseases impacting tea crops, and assess green leaf yield through UAV and satellite-based hyperspectral indices.
The Tea Board will provide technical and on-ground assistance through its established administrative framework, ensuring effective implementation and integration of field data.
“This innovative project aims to tackle critical issues faced by the tea sector, such as crop stress, pest control, and yield assessment,” stated an official.
The official added, “These technological advancements will not only boost productivity and sustainability but also establish a comprehensive data repository to inform future policy-making. By adopting state-of-the-art geospatial analytics and AI solutions, the Tea Board is committed to modernizing the industry and enhancing India’s stature in the global tea market.”