Usman Hyder Patoo

Usman's research spans climate studies and software engineering, with a particular emphasis on climate-smart agriculture and irrigation management. The project sits at the intersection of two disciplines — earth science and requirements engineering — and the combination is precisely what makes it distinctive.

The work leverages advanced weather forecasts, high-quality satellite data, crowdsourced qualitative information, and data from sparsely located sensors to optimise agricultural practices for Indian farmers. In resource-constrained settings, where traditional data infrastructure is limited, the project must creatively integrate heterogeneous and uncertain data streams.

The requirements engineering dimension is central: ensuring that technical solutions are appropriate for the target users — Indian farmers — and practically adoptable in their everyday contexts. This involves close engagement with stakeholders, iterative specification of user needs, and careful attention to accessibility, language, and cultural fit. The project is conducted through the IITB-Monash Research Academy, a flagship bilateral collaboration between IIT Bombay and Monash University.