Kurubur Shanthakumar. | Photo credit: File photo
A team of farmers from Karnataka will visit Maharashtra in April this year to study artificial intelligence (AI)-based agricultural technologies adopted by farmers in the neighboring state.
A decision to this effect was taken by Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers Association and Federation of State Farmers Organizations at their meeting at PWD Guest House in Mysuru on Tuesday.
Association president Kurubur Shanthakumar said sugarcane growers of Maharashtra have adopted artificial intelligence (AI) technology in agriculture, resulting in increased production and reduced cost of cultivation.
“This has led to higher profits for farmers,” said Mr. Shanthakumar while sharing information about the benefits of adopting AI technology in agriculture.
Mr. Shanthakumar said he spoke on the phone with farmers from Maharashtra who have successfully adopted AI technology in agriculture to better understand the system.
Information about these benefits brought encouragement and happiness to the farmers. When the matter was discussed at a farmers’ meeting on Tuesday, farmers enthusiastically agreed to visit and study artificial intelligence-based cultivation methods.
Therefore, a decision was taken that a team of sugarcane farmers from Karnataka will visit Maharashtra this April to observe these AI-based farming practices.
SARFAESI Act
Another topic discussed at the meeting was the need for a campaign against the SARFAESI Act, which the farmers’ body has described as a “death sentence” for farmers who have taken bank loans.
Emphasizing the need for a farmers’ movement against the Act, Mr. Shanthakumar said that agricultural land belonging to farmers may fall into the hands of capitalists and corporations if the Act is not repealed. Hundreds of farmers have already lost their land, he said.
While a protest will be held outside the Reserve Bank of India next month to draw the attention of the Union government, Mr. Shanthakumar said the issue will also be raised at a farmers’ rally to be held at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on March 19.
Published – 10 March 2026 20:38 IST
