NIT Rourkela, ISRO partner on AI system for tea plantation monitoring

The National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Indian Space Research Organisation and the Tea Board of India have initiated a collaborative research programme to deploy artificial intelligence-powered monitoring systems across tea-growing regions. The CHAYANKAN project will integrate multiple data sources including satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicle observations and on-ground field measurements to create a comprehensive monitoring framework for tea plantations.

The initiative addresses critical challenges facing India's tea industry, which relies heavily on traditional manual monitoring methods. By combining ISRO's remote sensing capabilities with advanced AI algorithms, the system is designed to provide accurate plantation health assessments, improved yield forecasting and early warning mechanisms for pest and disease outbreaks that can significantly impact productivity.

NIT Rourkela will lead the technology development and AI modelling components of the project, drawing on its expertise in data science and agricultural applications. The integration of multi-spectral satellite data with ground-level observations will enable real-time monitoring of large plantation areas, potentially reducing assessment costs and improving decision-making for estate managers.

The three-year programme represents a significant step towards digitalising India's tea sector, which remains one of the world's largest producers. Successful implementation could establish a scalable model for other agricultural commodities and regions, demonstrating the practical applications of space technology and artificial intelligence in enhancing crop management practices across the country.