8CIOReview | | NOVEMBER 2024By Jeremy Groeteke, Global Head of IT & Digital Strategy, Vegetables & Flowers, Computational Agronomy, Syngenta GroupHARVESTING THE FUTURE: THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF AI ON AGRICULTUREAs we stand at the dawn of a new era in agriculture, the fusion of technology and traditional farming practices is not just a distant promise but a vivid reality shaping the contours of the agricultural landscape. It is a transformation that we at Syngenta Group are not just witnessing but are actively shaping. As we stand on the cusp of this transformation, it is imperative to recognize AI's profound implications for agriculture. The convergence of AI with traditional farming practices is not just enhancing efficiencies; it is fundamentally reshaping our approach to food production, resource management, and environmental stewardship. As the Head of Computational Agronomy at Syngenta Group, I have seen firsthand the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing every facet of farming.Data: the lifeblood of AIAt the heart of this revolution is data--the lifeblood of AI. In agriculture, the availability of datasets from soil health, weather patterns, and machine data is unlocking new possibilities. AI leverages this data to provide insights that were previously beyond our reach. Predictive analytics, for instance, empowers farmers to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and optimize yields. By analyzing historical data, AI can forecast weather conditions, pest infestations, and crop diseases, enabling proactive measures rather than reactive responses.Mechanization: AI Optimizing MachinesAI-driven precision agriculture is paving the way for resource optimization. Precision farming tools equipped with AI analyze field conditions and provide tailored recommendations for tillage, planting, spraying, irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting. This level of precision not only boosts crop yields but also minimizes resource wastage, contributing to sustainable farming practices. For instance, AI-enabled systems enable the application of crop protection products to where they are needed vs broad acre applications, often referred to as "Sense and Act." Another example is AI-enabled computer vision systems that automate the adjustment of harvester settings on the go for optimal harvesting, reducing grain losses and maximizing quality. AI and Seed Genetics: Breeding SuccessThe field of seed genetics is witnessing a renaissance powered by AI's profound capabilities. While effective, traditional methods of seed selection and breeding are time-intensive and often akin to finding a needle in a haystack. AI introduces precision and efficiency that accelerate this process exponentially. AI algorithms can predict and enhance traits like yield, drought tolerance, and disease resistance by analyzing genetic markers, environmental data, and crop performance metrics. This precision breeding not only shortens the development cycle of new seed varieties but also ensures that they are robust, high-yielding, and suited to diverse and changing global climates.Crop Protection: A Shield Forged by AIIn crop protection, AI stands as a sentinel against the myriad threats that loom over our fields. Developing crop protection products is a complex dance of chemistry, biology, and environmental science. AI transforms this dance into a symphony of precision and effectiveness. By analyzing vast datasets, AI can predict the emergence of pests and diseases, inform the development of new protective compounds, and optimize the application of existing products. This not only ensures the health and abundance of crops Jeremy GroetekeIN MY OPINION
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