How AI will transform the agriculture sector: 6 advanced use cases

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the way we live and work, and its impact is only expected to increase in the coming years. With advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, AI is being used in various industries to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and improve efficiency.?AI is transforming the agriculture industry by enabling precision farming. By analyzing data from sensors, drones, and satellites, AI algorithms can provide insights into soil health, crop growth, and weather patterns. This can help farmers optimize their planting, irrigation, and harvesting practices, and increase crop yields. Here are 6 advanced use cases of AI for agriculture that are changing the game in this sector.

1.?????Precision Farming with Predictive Analytics

The integration of AI technology in agriculture has expanded its capabilities to include accurate and controlled farming practices. AI provides farmers with guidance on optimal planting, water management, crop rotation, timely harvesting, nutrient management, and pest control. Through the use of machine learning algorithms and satellite or drone-captured images, AI-enabled technologies can predict weather conditions, assess crop sustainability, and evaluate farms for the presence of diseases or pests, as well as poor plant nutrition. This is achieved by analyzing data such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and solar radiation.

2.?????Agricultural Robotics

There is a growing trend of AI companies developing robots capable of performing a wide range of tasks within the agricultural sector. These robotic machines are specifically trained to control weeds and harvest crops at a faster pace, with a higher volume output compared to human labor. Additionally, they are programmed to assist with quality control checks and identify unwanted plants or weeds while also engaging in crop picking and packing. These innovative machines are designed to overcome the challenges faced by the agricultural labor force. Examples of companies that are at the forefront of developing such technology include Blue River Technology and Harvest CROO Robotics. These companies are pioneering the development of robotics machines that can control unwanted plants or weeds, as well as aid farmers in the picking and packing of crops, ultimately leading to higher yields.

3.?????Autonomous Tractors

The agriculture sector stands to benefit from the ongoing investment in the development of autonomous vehicles for various applications, including driverless tractors. By utilizing high-quality AI and machine learning training data specifically tailored for agriculture, the use of autonomous tractors is expected to revolutionize the farming sector by facilitating multiple tasks. These self-driving tractors are equipped with independent detection capabilities to identify their position within the fields and can determine the optimal speed and avoid obstacles, such as irrigation objects, humans, and animals while performing various operations.

4.?????Soil and Crops Health Monitoring

The issue of deforestation and soil degradation has become a significant challenge for countries that rely on food production. PEAT, a German-based tech startup, has developed a deep learning application called Plantix that can identify potential defects and nutrient deficiencies in soil, including plant pests and diseases. The app utilizes image recognition technology, allowing users to capture a plant image with their smartphone and detect any defects. Plantix also provides soil restoration techniques and tips through short videos. Another company, Trace Genomics, utilizes machine learning to provide soil analysis services to farmers. Such applications enable farmers to monitor the health of their soil and crops, resulting in higher productivity and healthier crop yields.

5.?????Controlling Pest Infestations

Pests pose a major threat to farmers worldwide as they cause extensive damage to crops prior to harvesting and storing for human consumption. Insects such as locusts and grasshoppers are notorious for consuming crops and impacting farmer profits. However, the introduction of AI technology in farming has provided a powerful tool for farmers to combat these pests. Through the use of AI and data companies, farmers can receive alerts on their smartphones regarding potential grasshopper infestations in specific crop fields. Utilizing satellite images and historical data, AI algorithms can identify and detect insect activity in nearby areas, allowing farmers to take timely action and remove pests from their fields before any significant damage occurs.

6.?????Agri Supply Chain Management

Agricultural supply chain challenges are substantial. On one hand, farmers often do not receive a fair price for their produce, which results in spoilage in mandis (marketplaces). On the other hand, food consumers either face exorbitant prices or suffer from malnourishment. While AI has not made significant strides in agricultural supply chain management, its informed application in supply chain planning and optimization, including demand forecasting and logistics, can result in significant cost savings for farmers. Furthermore, it can address the issue of information asymmetry for buyers.

The integration of AI technology into agriculture is poised to revolutionize the industry. With AI's predictive capabilities, farmers can make informed decisions regarding planting, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting. AI can also aid in soil analysis and nutrient management, which ultimately leads to higher yields and healthier crops. The use of drones and satellite imagery, along with machine learning algorithms, enables precise and efficient monitoring of crops, allowing for the timely detection of diseases or pests. AI can also optimize the agricultural supply chain by improving planning and logistics, reducing spoilage, and lowering costs. Overall, AI technology has the potential to increase productivity and efficiency in the agriculture sector while also promoting sustainable farming practices.