According to reports, the Central Buffalo Research Centre (CIRB) in Hisar, Haryana, has begun a project to roll out sensors into buffaloes, marking a historic first for the country. This initiative aims to transform the way farmers and buffalo keepers monitor and manage the health and well-being of their livestock, harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence.

The project is set to begin by April 1, 2024, under the guidance of TK Dutta, director of CIRB Hisar, and chief scientist Ashok Balhara. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has promised to spend Rs 15 crore to support CIRB in partnership with IIT Ropar and the Adelaide University of Australia. The plan is expected to be completed by 2029.

The significance is immense, considering the country harbours 56% of the world's buffalo population. It plays a pivotal role in meeting the nation's milk demand. With these sensors, which will be successfully integrated into the buffaloes, farmers will gain insights into the health status of their animals.

The technology will help them determine the likelihood of illness, monitor changes in health conditions, determine pregnancy readiness, and detect chemical alterations in the buffalo's body. All such information will be effortlessly transmitted to the farmers' mobile phones through a promising mobile application.

The sensor technology comprehensively monitors buffalo activities through a mobile interface. The data collected will then be transferred to CIRB's server, which is connected to a cloud computer, and integrated into an AI-based application.

The application will analyse the data and provide tailored solutions to the numerous challenges faced by animal farmers. The project aims to improve livestock productivity while reducing operational costs for farmers.

Balhara highlighted the project's potential to predict illnesses and behavioural changes in buffaloes, nurturing a proactive approach to animal health management. Moreover, incorporating this technology is expected to broaden the reach of animal husbandry, allowing more individuals to engage with and benefit from this transformative innovation.