BAU Researchers Build AI-Powered Agri App for Smart Farming
A team of researchers from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has developed an artificial intelligence-based agricultural application aimed at solving various farming challenges including irrigation, fertilizer application, pesticide usage, and pest control. The app, titled “BD FarmMate-AI,” will function as an integrated digital service platform for farmers.
The two-year initiative has been undertaken under the University Grants Commission’s “Higher Education Development Project for Computer and Software Engineering.” Researchers said the project will develop a full-fledged Android and web-based AI platform.
According to the research team, there is currently no integrated agricultural platform in the country where farmers, traders, service providers, and other stakeholders can remain connected simultaneously. As a result, farmers often fail to receive timely information and essential services.
Professor Dr. Md. Rakib Hasan of the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics at Bangladesh Agricultural University, who is leading the project, said their goal is to ensure easy access to all agricultural information and services through a unified platform. The system will provide data related to farm management, market conditions, weather forecasts, crop diseases, and pesticides.
He said farmers often suffer financial losses despite good harvests due to the lack of proper market connectivity. At the same time, the limited manpower of the Department of Agricultural Extension cannot reach every farmer. The platform will establish direct communication with farmers and reduce information gaps in the agricultural sector.
The app’s “Paddy Calendar” feature will provide automated alerts regarding time-sensitive farming activities. The AI system will inform farmers when to irrigate, apply fertilizers, harvest crops, and even notify them about weather changes.
In addition, the “Photo Doctor” feature will allow farmers to upload images of affected crops. The system will then identify diseases and recommend appropriate medicines and dosage instructions.
Associate Professor Dr. Mechbah Uddin, Professor Dr. Md. Rostom Ali from the Department of Farm Power and Machinery, and Professor Dr. Hak Jin Kim of Seoul National University are serving as co-researchers in the project.
Funded through a Research and Development Grant, the project officially began on January 20 this year and will continue until December 31, 2027.
Recently, an inaugural workshop involving paddy farmers was held under the project. Among those present were Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. G.M. Mujibur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Majid, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics Md. Sayed Iftekhar Yusuf, along with faculty members from various departments and paddy farmers from the Mymensingh region.
DBTech/AD/MUIM/OR
