Bhagalpur: In a quiet corner of Bihar, a soft and confident female voice is guiding farmers on when to sow seeds, how much water to use for irrigation, and how to protect crops from pests. She speaks in simple words and in a tone that feels familiar, like a woman from the village sharing advice from her courtyard. But this helpful figure, known as Digital Didi, is not a real person. She is an artificial intelligence creation developed by Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour to support farmers with timely and practical information.
The university has installed a digital board on its campus where weather-based agricultural advice is displayed regularly. The information is updated in real time and focuses on daily farming needs such as sowing, irrigation, fertiliser management, pest control and crop protection. The messages are prepared in clear and easy local language so that farmers can understand and use the advice without confusion. By linking weather forecasts with crop guidance, the system helps farmers take better decisions and avoid losses.
The initiative has also reached villages through community radio. Programmes are being broadcast in a female voice generated using AI technology. The voice is calm, friendly and reassuring, which makes listeners feel connected. The effort has shown a positive impact, especially among women farmers, who often feel more comfortable listening to advice delivered in a natural and simple tone. Many say the clear explanations make it easier to apply new farming techniques in their fields.
Ishwar Chandra, who is part of the team working on the project, said the AI platform is being updated regularly to improve its accuracy and usefulness. In the coming months, the university plans to introduce advice in different local dialects so that more farmers can benefit. Work is also under way on a mobile-based video advisory service that would allow farmers to receive guidance directly while standing in their fields.
Agricultural experts believe that timely and correct information can reduce crop damage, lower production costs and increase farmers’ income. The university is preparing to add more features to the AI platform, including detailed weather forecasts, crop disease identification and updates on market prices. If successful, Digital Didi could become an important example of how technology can support rural communities and strengthen agriculture in Bihar.
