IIT Ropar Plans to Introduce Agriculture Education in Schools Through AI-Based AVNI App

Agriculture could soon become a more engaging part of school education, with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar exploring ways to introduce farming, biodiversity and food production to children through technology.The initiative is being developed by ANNAM.AI, the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Digital Agriculture at IIT Ropar. Its objective is to familiarise children with agriculture from an early age and help them understand how farming is connected to everyday life.

The development comes amid growing emphasis on modernising Indian agriculture through artificial intelligence, digital technologies and smart farming practices. At the India Today Kisan Tak Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need to prepare India's agricultural sector for emerging challenges and changing requirements.IIT Ropar's initiative seeks to extend this technological transformation beyond farms and research laboratories by introducing agricultural awareness among school students.

AVNI App to Make Agricultural Learning Interactive

A key component of the initiative is AVNI – Grow with Nature, an AI-powered digital learning platform developed under ANNAM.AI. Designed for children, the application aims to make learning about plants, crops, insects and food systems more interactive.

The platform allows children to use photographs to identify and explore different plants, crops and insects in their surroundings. Through AI-based identification, students can learn about various species and understand their importance in agriculture and the environment.

Developed for young learners, AVNI is available as a web and mobile application. It includes educational content in Hindi and English, along with audio support to make learning easier for younger children.

The application also incorporates interactive features such as daily challenges, Nature Points, a digital Nature Book, Nature Gallery and Crop Compare. These features are designed to encourage curiosity, observation and practical learning.The initiative has been developed by Dr Mukesh Saini, Co-project Director of ANNAM.AI at IIT Ropar.

Why Agriculture Education Should Begin in Schools

India's agricultural sector faces several challenges, including climate change, unpredictable weather, declining soil health, pressure on agricultural land and the need to improve food production.Experts believe that introducing agricultural concepts at an early age can help children understand these issues and appreciate the importance of sustainable farming.Agricultural education can also introduce students to subjects such as biodiversity, soil conservation, water management, pollination and the role of technology in food production.

According to ANNAM.AI Project Director Professor Pushpendra Singh, children should understand the relationship between nature and agriculture rather than viewing farming simply as the process of growing crops.Understanding the contribution of insects such as honeybees and butterflies is particularly important because pollination plays a significant role in agricultural production.

IIT Ropar Wants Schools to Turn Gardens into Learning Spaces

IIT Ropar is also looking at opportunities to take agricultural education directly to schools. One proposed approach is to use school gardens as practical learning spaces where children can observe plants, insects and crops.Students could use mobile phones or tablets to photograph what they find and explore the agricultural significance of those observations through the AVNI platform.

Professor Pushpendra Singh has indicated that the team is working towards engaging with the Ministry of Education to explore the possibility of taking this learning model to schools.The approach could make agricultural education more practical and enjoyable, allowing students to connect classroom knowledge with their surroundings.

However, the proposed school outreach should be distinguished from the launch of the AVNI application itself. A nationwide school-level rollout has not been established by the available reports.

How AI Can Support Smart Farming

ANNAM.AI is not limited to children's education. Established at IIT Ropar with support from the Ministry of Education, the Centre of Excellence focuses on developing artificial intelligence-based solutions for agricultural challenges.

Its broader objectives include improving farm productivity, supporting informed agricultural decisions and promoting efficient use of resources.AI-based technologies can help farmers analyse crop conditions, monitor weather patterns, identify potential plant diseases and improve irrigation and resource management.

The institute is also working towards connecting research, technological innovation and practical agricultural applications.The Ministry of Education's support for the agricultural AI Centre is part of the government's broader initiative to strengthen artificial intelligence research and development in India.

Preparing the Next Generation for the Future of Agriculture

Introducing agriculture to school students could help change how younger generations perceive farming. Rather than considering it only a traditional occupation, students can learn about its growing connections with science, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Platforms such as AVNI offer an opportunity to make agricultural knowledge accessible through everyday experiences. Learning to identify plants, understand insects and explore food production can help children develop greater awareness of the environment.

As India moves towards technology-driven agriculture, initiatives connecting schools with farming and digital innovation could play an important role in developing future agricultural scientists, entrepreneurs and informed citizens.The larger objective is to make agricultural education more accessible and encourage children to understand the importance of sustainable food production from an early age.