IIT Roorkee Develops Crop Assessment System to Improve Crop Insurance Claims with Over 90% Accuracy

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R) have unveiled a groundbreaking satellite-calibrated computing system that promises to revolutionize the assessment of agricultural crops for the purpose of determining crop insurance claims. This invention, a first of its kind in India, boasts an astonishing accuracy rate of more than 90%.

The system, developed by a team led by Kamal Jain, a senior professor in the civil engineering department of the institute and the principal investigator of the project, aims to address the limitations of existing methods, which, including those employing artificial intelligence, typically achieve accuracies of less than 64%. Jain pointed out that these methodologies often fall short when applied to India, where farmers predominantly cultivate crops on smaller land parcels.

This innovation leverages a satellite-calibrated computing system to predict the presence of any crop on any land parcel. To create this remarkable system, the researchers harnessed the power of the Google Earth Engine platform, enabling them to access remote sensing data from NASA's satellites. By combining this data with a specially crafted algorithm that incorporates various ground-reality parameters, such as field surveys, drone filming, and operator training, the researchers have elevated their system above existing technologies.

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Unlike some existing systems that use remote sensing images ranging from 30 to 1.5 meters per pixel resolution, the IIT-R team opted for satellite imagery at a resolution of 5 meters per pixel. This choice not only enhances accuracy but also keeps the solution cost-effective.

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The system is composed of a server, workstations, and a network of interconnected computers (nodes). Researchers tested the system in Haridwar district on three major crops: wheat, rice, and sugarcane. The results surpassed expectations, showcasing the system's exceptional capabilities in evaluating crop growth stages, precision, cost-efficiency, and adaptability.

This cutting-edge technology has the potential to significantly improve crop insurance claims by providing more accurate and timely assessments, ultimately benefiting farmers and the agricultural sector. It also marks a significant step forward in India's utilization of satellite technology for precision agriculture and crop monitoring. The IIT-R team's work holds promise for a more resilient and efficient agricultural sector, offering an impressive solution to challenges unique to India's diverse farming landscape.

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