‘Mausam Ka Doctor’ turns weather data into smart farm decisions in Punjab

Pushing for the use of chatbots and artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology in sustainable farming, Palvinder Singh, also known as “Mausam Ka Doctor”, has been empowering marginalised farmers with knowledge. He simplifies complex agricultural and weather data into practical advice through AI tools. He was among 250 progressive farmers and agricultural support workers who were recognised for their contribution to sustainable farming practices in Punjab.

Saanjh Punjab, supported by the non-profit Asar and in collaboration with Clean Air Punjab, convened progressive farmers from across the state to recognise efforts to eliminate stubble burning, while foregrounding peer-to-peer learning as a critical driver of change.

Saanjh Punjab — a network of Punjab-based non-profits and farmer support groups comprising Manav Vikas Sansthan, IPS Foundation, Kheti Virasat Mission, Young Innovative Farmers, Clean Air Punjab, Air Care Centre, Asar, CIMMYT, and IIMR — has been working closely with farmers to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices. The convening brought together farmers, researchers, civil society actors and government representatives, including the Vice-Chancellor of Khalsa University, Dr Mehal Singh, creating a multi-stakeholder platform anchored in farmer-led knowledge exchange.

Farmers who have successfully transitioned away from stubble burning engaged in discussions with fellow farmers, reflecting on both the opportunities and challenges of adopting sustainable alternatives.

Palvinder, who hails from Baronga Zer village in Fatehgarh Sahib, operates around 15-20 WhatsApp groups connecting over 1,000 farmers, with whom he shares weather-related information through the Saanjha Mitter chatbot.

“Small farmers’ aversion to technology and AI in farming is rooted in misinformation and fear of data theft. We have been training several hundred farmers through curated technical sessions and seminars on chatbots that use agricultural meteorology — the study of weather and climate information to enhance crop production,” he said.

He added that farmers do not benefit from raw information, but from usable weather and soil health data translated into clear advice.

This would cut down farming losses due to sudden weather changes. Emphasising his long-standing commitment to non-burning practices, he said, “Change in agriculture is most meaningful when it is demonstrated on the ground by farmers themselves,” highlighting that visibility of successful models plays a crucial role in wider adoption.

Gurbinder Singh Bajwa, representing the Young Innovative Farmers group at the event, highlighted the collective impact achieved through farmer networks. “When farmers organise and act together, the scale of impact increases manifold,” he said.