Prof. Yadati Narahari, Honorary Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and game theory to address pressing challenges in Indian agriculture.
An engineering graduate from IISc, Narahari went on to complete his PhD from the institute’s Department of Computer Science. Over the decades, he has remained closely associated with the institution, contributing significantly to research and academic leadership.
Applying AI to real-world farming challenges
Prof. Narahari’s current work focuses on building intelligent systems that help governments and farmers make data-driven decisions. His research integrates AI/ML tools with economic and behavioural models to support crop planning, price prediction, and timely advisory services.
By analysing large datasets related to weather, soil, market trends and supply chains, his models aim to reduce uncertainty in agriculture — one of the most risk-prone sectors in India.
A key concept he advocates is “carbon farming”, which encourages agricultural practices that enhance carbon sequestration while maintaining productivity. Through AI-driven decision support systems, farmers can potentially optimise crop choices, reduce emissions and improve sustainability.
Global academic exposure
Narahari has also gained international experience, having served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States. He was also a visiting scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
His interdisciplinary expertise in AI, ML and game theory places him at the intersection of technology, economics and public policy.
As India increasingly embraces digital transformation in agriculture, researchers like Prof. Narahari are playing a vital role in shaping innovative, sustainable and farmer-centric solutions.