ITC Collaborates with Microsoft and Skymet to Shield Tobacco Farmers from Climate Challenges

In a noteworthy alliance, ITC, a prominent Indian conglomerate, has joined forces with Microsoft and Skymet to address the escalating challenges faced by tobacco farmers in India due to climate change. The adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture are well-known, and the tobacco sector is no exception, suffering an estimated loss of ₹800-900 crore in export revenues.

The Toll on Tobacco Farmers

Highlighting the severity of the situation, H N Ramaprasad, the Chief Executive of ITC’s tobacco business, points to the tangible effects on farmers in Karnataka. Their tobacco output plummeted to 60 million kg, significantly below the 90-100 million kg limit set by the Tobacco Board in both 2021 and 2022.

Innovative Solutions for Resilience

To combat the challenges posed by climate change, ITC has formulated a comprehensive program in collaboration with Microsoft and Skymet. This initiative incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as drones, AI, and data analytics to provide accurate weather forecasts, crop advisories, hotspot mapping, and nutritional supplementation.

Building Climate Resilience

The program’s overarching goal is to enhance the climate resilience of tobacco crops, enabling farmers to better navigate the biotic and abiotic stresses induced by climate vagaries. By leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, ITC aims to empower farmers and reduce the impact of extreme weather events on tobacco cultivation.

Important Questions Related to Exams

1. Name the companies collaborating with ITC to address climate challenges in Indian tobacco farming.
2. How much did the tobacco output in Karnataka fall below the Tobacco Board’s limit in 2021 and 2022?
3. List two advanced technologies employed by ITC to enhance the resilience of tobacco crops against climate change.

Please provide your answers in the comment section!!