Revolutionising agriculture: Punjabi chatbot offers real-time support to farmers on paddy straw management

As the infamous ‘stubble burning season' begins, Saanjh Punjab, a coalition of leading organisations committed to advancing climate-resilient agriculture, today launched its seminal report, ‘Listening to Farmers on CRM Machinery’. It also launched a chatbot that assists farmers in real time by providing information on paddy straw management.

The chatbot, developed by A2P Energy, provides a simple, conversational interface in Punjabi, enabling farmers to book CRM machinery, access soil health information and receive guidance on crop diversification and management. By bridging knowledge gaps and reducing dependency on intermediaries, the tool aims to make expert support immediately accessible, strengthening both productivity and resilience on the ground. The launch event was held at Khalsa College for Women, Amritsar.

The study presents the most comprehensive mapping to date of crop residue management (CRM) machinery utilisation across 10 districts of Punjab, highlighting patterns of access, persistent barriers, and opportunities to improve adoption of sustainable practices. Saanjh reaches over 300,000 farmers; it works to amplify farmer voices, provide technical expertise, and shape policy for systemic transformation in Punjab’s agriculture.

The chatbot is designed by Sukhmeet Singh, founder and CEO of A2P Energy Solution Private Limited. He said, “This pilot chatbot brings real-time support directly to farmers’ phones — helping them manage crop waste, improve soil health and make smarter farming decisions. Simple, conversational, and in Punjabi, it’s designed to make technology truly farmer-first and accessible to all.”

Dr Manish, agro-scientist from CIMMYT, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, a non-profit research organisation promoting sustainable and diverse farming systems, noted that the findings highlight the need for complementary support systems alongside technology.

Highlighting the deeper ecological and cultural context, Umendra Dutt of Kheti Virasat Manch said, “Crop residue management is not just about machines — it’s about restoring the bond between farmer and field. This initiative shows that when the right technology is combined with trust in farmers, we nurture healthier soil, cleaner water, and greater dignity.”