IIT Ropar Launches AI App to Teach Children About Nature and Farming

IIT Ropar has launched a new digital learning platform named AVNI to help children learn about plants, crops, food, and agriculture. Developed by the institute's Centre of Excellence in AI for Digital Agriculture, known as ANNAM.AI, the app uses artificial intelligence and hands-on activities to help young learners identify what they see around them.

App Features

The web and mobile platform allows children to explore fruits, vegetables, spices, cereals, and millets by using AI-powered identification on everyday plants and crops. Created by Dr Mukesh Saini, Co-project Director of ANNAM.AI at IIT Ropar, the app is available in both Hindi and English with audio support for younger users. It features daily challenges, a digital Nature Book, a Nature Gallery, and a Crop Compare tool so children can record their progress and compare different crops.

Design And Access

Institute officials stated that the app introduces agricultural concepts before children study the subject formally in school, turning everyday sights like a garden plant or a home fruit into lessons on food production. The platform is free to access, ad-free, and privacy-focused to maintain a safe digital environment.

Context

This platform extends ANNAM.AI's broader work on building digital public infrastructure for Indian agriculture into the education sector. By combining artificial intelligence with direct outdoor observation, the project aims to build early agricultural awareness among young students across the country.