Telenor Pakistan has launched the country’s first AI-powered conversational agriculture voice bot, “Kissan Dost Bashir,” aimed at providing real-time advisory services to farmers and advancing digital agriculture adoption.
The service is accessible 24/7 in Urdu via a dedicated helpline (7272) and web portal, enabling farmers to receive crop guidance, weather-based insights, market prices, and livestock support. Designed for rural communities, the voice-based interface addresses literacy and connectivity challenges by eliminating the need for smartphones or advanced digital skills.
Pakistan’s agriculture sector contributes nearly 23% to GDP and supports millions of livelihoods, making digital enablement a key priority. By integrating artificial intelligence with voice technology, Telenor is working to improve access to timely, actionable information that can enhance productivity and decision-making at the farm level.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to digitise agriculture in Pakistan, where AI-driven tools such as predictive analytics, smart irrigation systems, and remote monitoring are being explored to improve efficiency and resilience. Climate challenges and resource constraints are further accelerating the need for technology-led solutions in the sector.
The launch also reflects a growing role for telecom operators in delivering sector-specific digital services beyond connectivity, particularly in underserved rural markets.
Editor’s Note:
AI-powered voice solutions are emerging as a practical bridge for digital inclusion in agriculture. Telenor’s approach highlights how telecom operators can drive impact by combining connectivity with accessible, sector-specific intelligence tools.
