Explainable AI for Next Generation Agriculture—Current Scenario and Future Prospects

Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy and an essential component of its cultural heritage. It plays a pivotal role in providing food, employment, and livelihoods to a significant portion of the population. The history of agriculture in India is ancient, dating back thousands of years, and it has undergone significant transformations, from traditional practices to technology-driven smart agriculture. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture harnesses data-driven insights to optimize crop management, resource allocation, and decision-making, ultimately increasing productivity and sustainability in the sector. It enables precision farming practices, enhancing yields while conserving resources. With time AI has broadened its horizon from Machine Learning (ML) to Deep Learning (DL) and Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI). This chapter serves as an introduction to the concept of XAI in agriculture. An outline of XAI's significance in the agriculture industry is given. It discusses its relevance in addressing the unique challenges faced by farmers and stakeholders, its current scenario, and futuristic directions.