New Delhi: Precision agriculture is transforming Kenyan smallholder farming, using satellite data, drones, and AI tools to boost yields and reduce fertiliser waste. A $250 million line of credit from India through EXIM Bank for hand tractors and smart irrigation is helping scale this impact.

Satellite data from the Kenya Space Agency allows farmers to monitor soil moisture, identify nutrient deficiencies, and pinpoint pests. Drones scan fields for real-time soil health, enabling precise sprays that curb outbreaks. AI chatbots provide mobile-based fertiliser and pest guidance, while image recognition allows instant disease diagnosis.

These tools empower five million smallholders managing 75 per cent of arable land. Indian-Kenyan cooperative models, including millet cultivation, are helping diversify crops beyond maize. Challenges remain, including high technology costs, limited youth involvement, and rural internet connectivity, but shared equipment and affordable tech solutions are accelerating adoption.