Agro and Artificial Intelligence: Generating R$ 23.6 billion in 2028

The junction of Agriculture and the Artificial intelligence is outlining a new horizon for the agricultural sector, promising to completely redefine food production. In other words, the marriage between technology and agriculture is no longer a distant vision of the future. It is coming to fruition before our eyes, with tangible results and colossal growth potential.

The Challenge of Modern Agriculture

Agriculture, being one of humanity's oldest activities, currently faces a series of challenges that threaten its sustainability and efficiency. Therefore, with the growing global demand for food, estimated to increase by 60% by 2050 by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), it is crucial to find innovative solutions to increase productivity and ensure food security for a constantly growing population. .

The Three Main Challenges

1. Pests and Diseases: Pests and diseases pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity. In other words, resulting in substantial losses and financial losses. Therefore, addressing this challenge requires accurate and effective identification and control methods.
2. Soil Quality and Irrigation: Soil degradation and inefficient irrigation are obstacles that hinder sustainable agricultural production. Therefore, it is essential to closely monitor soil health and optimize water use to ensure ideal growing conditions.
3. Weeds: Weed control is essential to ensure that crops have access to the resources necessary for healthy growth. In other words, with effective management you can significantly increase crop yields and reduce the need for herbicides.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Agricultural Transformation

A Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a powerful tool to address the pressing challenges of modern agriculture. In other words, with its ability to process large volumes of data and make accurate decisions in real time, AI is revolutionizing all aspects of agricultural production, from field monitoring to crop management.

1. Pest Identification and Control

AI is being widely used to accurately and efficiently identify and control pests. Thanks to advances in computer vision and on machine learning, farmers can now monitor their crops and identify signs of pest infestation before they are even visible to the naked eye. This allows for rapid and targeted interventions, thus reducing crop losses and minimizing the use of environmentally harmful pesticides.

2. Soil Health Monitoring

Soil health plays a key role in agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Currently, with the use of sensors and IoT devices (Internet of Things), AI makes it possible to continuously monitor soil quality. That is, providing farmers with valuable insights into the moisture levels, nutrients and health of crops. Therefore, it allows for more effective management of water resources and the optimization of irrigation methods, resulting in healthier and more sustainable harvests.

3. Weed Detection and Management

Currently, weed detection and control are areas where AI is demonstrating enormous potential. In other words, through advanced algorithms and analysis of high-resolution images captured by drones and satellites, farmers can identify and map the presence of weeds in their crops with unprecedented precision. As a result, it allows for the implementation of targeted control strategies and the reduction of herbicide use. In other words, contributing to more sustainable and ecologically conscious agriculture.

Addressing Automation Challenges

While AI brings numerous benefits to the agricultural sector, it is important to recognize and mitigate the challenges and risks associated with its adoption. Job displacement, concentration of ownership and ethical concerns are issues that must be approached cautiously and responsibly. It is essential to ensure that AI is used ethically and equitably, benefiting not only large producers, but also family farmers and rural communities around the world.

Some frequently asked questions and answers on this topic

1. How can artificial intelligence ensure food security for an ever-growing population?

AI emerges as a powerful ally in the fight for global food security. Therefore, through its ability to analyze complex data, AI allows farmers to optimize the use of resources. As well as increasing productivity and reducing waste.

Examples:

• Precision agriculture: AI guides farmers in the precise application of inputs such as water, fertilizers and pesticides, optimizing production and minimizing environmental impact.
• Harvest forecast: AI more accurately predicts food production, helping governments and companies manage stocks and avoid food crises.

2. How can we ensure that technology benefits everyone?

AI does not mean the end of agricultural work, but rather a transformation in the way it is carried out. Technology will create new opportunities for farmers, requiring new skills and knowledge.

Examples:

• Data analysis: The demand for professionals capable of interpreting and using data collected by sensors and drones in agriculture will grow exponentially.
• AI Experts: New professions will be created to develop and implement AI solutions for agribusiness.

3. How can AI help small farmers thrive in an increasingly competitive market?

Currently, AI already offers small farmers tools that were previously exclusive to large companies, such as drones and data analysis software. This way, it allows them to compete more fairly and efficiently in the market.

Examples:

• Accessible AI Platforms: Online platforms offer small farmers access to affordable AI tools, allowing them to monitor their crops, identify problems and optimize their production.
• AI Consulting Services: Consultants specializing in AI can help smallholder farmers choose and implement the AI tools that best suit their needs.

4. Can AI eliminate the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, making agriculture more sustainable?

AI is a powerful tool for sustainable agriculture. In other words, through the precise identification of problems and the targeted application of solutions, AI helps reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. As well as, protecting the environment and human health much more.

Examples:

• Disease and pest detection: AI identifies diseases and pests in their early stages, allowing farmers to use more precise and environmentally friendly control methods.
• Autonomous agricultural robots: Robots equipped with AI can perform tasks such as weeding and spraying in a precise and targeted manner, reducing the need for herbicides and pesticides.

5. How is AI revolutionizing livestock farming?

AI is transforming livestock farming into a more efficient, sustainable and humane sector. Through individual monitoring of animals, AI makes it possible to optimize nutrition, prevent diseases and improve animal welfare.

Examples:

• Health Monitoring: Wearable sensors and technologies monitor individual animals' health as well, enabling early detection of disease and timely intervention.
• Robots for milking and handling: Robots automate tasks such as milking and animal handling, reducing manual labor and increasing production efficiency.

6. What are the main trends in AI for agriculture in the coming years?

AI in agriculture is constantly evolving, with new technologies and applications emerging all the time. Therefore, some of the key trends for the coming years include:

• Generative artificial intelligence: This technology will allow scientists to create new varieties of plants and animals with desired traits such as disease resistance and increased productivity.
• AI for vertical farming: AI will optimize production in controlled environments such as vertical farms, making agriculture more urban and sustainable.
• AI for traceability and food safety: AI will allow complete tracking of the origin of food to the final consumer, ensuring food safety and combating fraud.

7. How can Brazil position itself as a leader in the application of AI in agriculture? (continuation)

Brazil has enormous potential to become a leader in the application of AI in agriculture. In other words, the country has a large agricultural sector, expertise in agribusiness and a young population eager for innovation. To stand out, Brazil needs:

• Incentive to research and development: Invest in academic research and startups specializing in AI for agribusiness.
• Digital infrastructure: Expand rural connectivity to enable farmers across the country to utilize AI solutions.
• Training and education: Offer training programs for farmers and agribusiness professionals so they can use AI effectively.

8. What are the ethical challenges of using AI in agriculture?

Despite the numerous benefits, the use of AI in agriculture also raises ethical concerns:

• Unequal access to technology: How can we ensure that small farmers have access to and can benefit from AI?
• Data ownership: Who owns the data collected by sensors and agricultural machines?
• Transparency and explainability of AI decisions: It is necessary to ensure that decisions made by AI are transparent and understandable to farmers.

9. Can AI replace the farmer? What defines a “good farmer” in the future?

AI is unlikely to completely replace the farmer. On the contrary, AI will require new skills from the farmer, such as:

• Data Analysis Capability: Interpret data collected by sensors and make evidence-based decisions.
• Technology knowledge: Understand how to use AI tools to optimize production.
• Adaptability and innovation: Be open to new technologies and methodologies to remain competitive.

As a result, the “good farmer” of the future will be one who can combine traditional wisdom and experience with the power of technology to produce food in a sustainable and efficient way.

10. Can AI help us feed the world sustainably?

AI is a critical tool for sustainable agriculture. In this way, by optimizing the use of resources, reducing environmental impact and increasing productivity, AI can help us feed the world sustainably. However, it is important to emphasize that AI alone is not the solution. In other words, it must be combined with sustainable agricultural practices and a global commitment to preserving the environment.

Finally, the integration of Artificial intelligence in agriculture represents a significant milestone in the history of the sector. With its potential to increase efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and ensure global food security, AI is shaping the future of agriculture in ways never before imagined. Therefore, by embracing this technological revolution, we can create a world where food production is sustainable, efficient, prosperous and accessible to all.

With information @ Forbes Brazil