Table of Contents
- Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing agriculture: from crops to drones, how AI is transforming the sector
- Sustainable agriculture with AI: how to mitigate the impacts of climate change
- AI at the Service of Agriculture: Next-generation Farmers
The agricultural sector, the beating heart of our economy, is facing unprecedented challenges. Crops, subject to the whimsical variations of the climate and the rigid laws of seasonality, are now being tested by an even more insidious enemy: climate change. This silent threat is disrupting delicate balances, altering climates, and drastically modifying productivity. But that’s not all, agriculture also has to deal with the increasingly fierce competition of emerging economies and the demands of large-scale retailers, ready to exploit the low labor costs to offer rock-bottom prices. In this scenario, artificial intelligence presents itself as a valuable partner, capable of mitigating problems, improving productivity, and making the most of all resources. This article will explore how AI is changing agricultural processes, guiding them towards increasingly sustainable and competitive solutions.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing agriculture: from crops to drones, how AI is transforming the sector
According to Mordor Intelligence‘s market analysis, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the agricultural sector, with a constantly growing market that is expected to reach $5.76 billion by 2029. Farmers can improve resource management and significantly increase productivity thanks to intelligent systems. Let’s look at some of the most interesting technologies and applications in the sector.
One of the biggest challenges in agriculture is species selection. This long and complex process requires the search for specific genes that determine efficiency in water and nutrient use, adaptation to climate change, resistance to diseases, nutrient content, or better taste. Thanks to machine learning and deep learning algorithms, it is possible to analyze decades of field data to evaluate crop performance in different climatic conditions. In this way, it is possible to create probability models to predict which genes are most likely to confer a beneficial characteristic on the plant, leading to more robust and resistant crops to exogenous factors and less use of pesticides and fertilizers.
Moreover, machine learning systems can help farmers make better decisions and optimize processes. For example, using IoT sensors can create optimized irrigation systems or energy management systems thanks to the use of external data such as weather data, reducing waste to a minimum and cutting costs.
Another area that is driving market growth is the adoption of livestock facial recognition technology. Thanks to the application of AI systems, including facial recognition programs and image classification integrated with body condition scores and feeding models, agricultural companies can individually monitor all aspects of animal behavior, analyze health status, and intervene for animal welfare.
Finally, the increasingly widespread use of drones powered by AI systems is changing the way farmers monitor crops and precision agriculture. Drones can be used to identify variations in crop growth, soil moisture levels, and pest populations, analyze plant health, and allow targeted interventions such as precise application of fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation, resulting in resource optimization and increased yields. Furthermore, the analysis of data collected by drones through artificial intelligence algorithms allows efficient monitoring of vast agricultural areas, avoiding manual inspections that take a long time.
The chart above shows in general what are the most frequent application areas and are driving growth in the use of AI in the sector and bringing excellent results. The pie chart illustrates that crop and soil monitoring is the most prevalent application, followed closely by the utilization of robots and AI for weather data forecasting. Notably, the chart also highlights the significant proportion of other applications, demonstrating the nascent stage of progress and the potential of possible AI applications in the field.
Sustainable agriculture with AI: how to mitigate the impacts of climate change
Climate change is hitting the agricultural sector hard, causing significant economic losses and threatening global food security. Extreme weather events have caused a loss of $280 billion between 2010 and 2018, and cereal production could decrease between 3% and more than 7% for each degree of increase in global average temperature according to the Institute of Development Impact report. But there is hope beyond the clouds of the storm: artificial intelligence.
Thanks to the use of advanced algorithms and environmental monitoring systems as seen in the previous paragraph, farmers can take preventive measures against adverse weather conditions and optimize agricultural decisions based on future weather forecasts. AI also makes it possible to optimize the use of water resources and fertilizers, reducing waste and improving efficiency in irrigation and crop nutrition, thus limiting environmental impact.
Through precision farming systems, growers can collect detailed data on their crops, allowing targeted interventions such as optimal pesticide distribution and soil management, limiting as much as possible the consumption of soil, and the use of altering chemical elements. Furthermore, AI contributes to using circular and renewable low-impact systems, helping farmers create self-sufficient and low-impact technological ecosystems. And it doesn’t end there: AI also helps conserve biodiversity, identifying threatened plant or animal species and proposing strategies to preserve areas and nature.
AI at the Service of Agriculture: Next-generation Farmers
Climate change and global competition as seen are putting the agricultural sector to the test. Still, Artificial Intelligence is proving to be a valuable ally, capable of turning these challenges into opportunities.
Thanks to intelligent systems, farmers can improve resource management, increase productivity, and adopt increasingly sustainable practices. From species selection to livestock monitoring, from drone use to water resource optimization, AI is changing the agricultural sector, guiding it towards a more efficient, competitive, and environmentally friendly future, creating a next generation of farmers open to innovation and connecting technology ever more to the service of nature.
In Neodata, a leading company in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, we believe in the power of technology to transform the agricultural sector. We are ready to accompany you on this digital transformation journey, offering tailor-made solutions for your needs. Discover how we can help you make your farm more efficient, competitive, and sustainable. Contact us to learn how we can help you with this strategic mission!
AI Evangelist and Marketing specialist for Neodata
