Data-driven water use efficiency platform for corn belt farming
CHIRAG CONNECT.AI is a UAV–AI powered platform that optimizes water allocation in row crops. It uses high-resolution UAV imagery, soil moisture, and weather data to create geo-referenced irrigation maps and schedules, enhancing water use efficiency and yield stability in the Corn Belt.
Overview
CHIRAG CONNECT.AI offers an innovative solution for optimizing water use in row crop farming within the Western Corn Belt region. This platform integrates UAV imagery with soil moisture and weather data, employing proprietary deep learning models to generate precise irrigation heatmaps and schedules. It addresses the challenge of declining aquifers and increased evapotranspiration by providing actionable insights that enhance water use efficiency and stabilize yields. Farmers benefit from geo-referenced maps and predictive alerts that are easily compatible with existing irrigation systems, fostering rapid adoption and significant water savings.
Technical specifications
Core Technology:
- Utilizes high-resolution UAV imagery combined with soil moisture and weather data.
- Proprietary DCLite model generates geo-referenced irrigation heatmaps and deficit irrigation schedules.
- Produces GeoJSON maps for variable-rate irrigation and KPIs on water use efficiency.
- Predictive alerts for crop stress using advanced machine learning techniques.
Features:
- Lightweight and cost-effective, avoiding the need for expensive on-ground sensors.
- Edge-based analysis for real-time insights and cloud retraining for continuous improvement.
- Compatible with existing variable-rate irrigation systems, enabling seamless integration.
Technology readiness level
CHIRAG CONNECT.AI is at TRL 5, indicating it has been validated in a relevant environment. Future validation includes a three-phase plan over 18–24 months to refine and test the platform across multiple growing seasons. Potential partnerships for further development include sponsored research and co-development opportunities.
About CHIRAG TECHNOLOGIES
Chirag Technologies, also known as Chirag Connect, is an agritech startup founded in 2022 that specializes in precision farming and climate-smart agricultural solutions. The company develops unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for drone spraying and operates a full-stack AI-driven digital platform that bridges the gap between farmers, vendors, and agricultural service providers. By integrating IoT and data-driven analytics, the platform facilitates services such as farm mechanization, soil testing, and precision agriculture, aiming to improve crop management, resource efficiency, and sustainability.
The company's services are designed to support small and marginal farmers by reducing costs and increasing yields through a marketplace model that utilizes a zero-commission policy for farmers. Chirag Technologies has been recognized for its innovation in the agritech sector, receiving backing from institutions like IIT Mandi, iHub-AWaDH, and the Uttar Pradesh government’s StartinUp initiative. Its platform also serves B2B stakeholders and policymakers by providing valuable data insights to enhance productivity and promote broader climate-smart agricultural practices across India.
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