5 Ways AI Is Making Farming Smarter and Greener

Authors

  • B. Jagadhesan Division of Plant Physiology, School of Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India- 110012.
  • S. Devika ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, RRS, Canning Town, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India- 743329.
  • B. Sandeep Adavi School of Crop Resistant System Research, ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India- 493225.
  • A. Naveenkumar School of Edaphic Stress Management, ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati, Pune, Maharashtra, India- 413115.
  • S. Santhiya Crop Improvement Division, ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, Uttarakhand, India - 263601.
  • C. Vaishali Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, School of Horticulture Sciences, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India- 110012.
  • Rajeshwari School of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, Haryana, India-132001
  • Birendra Kumar Padhan College of Agriculture, Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, Odisha, India-766001

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21531583

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence, Precision agriculture, Smart irrigation, Sustainable farming

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming agriculture by enabling smarter, more precise and environmentally sustainable farming practices. This article highlights five major applications of AI in agriculture: weather and climate-risk forecasting, precision irrigation, early detection of pests and diseases, optimized fertilizer and pesticide use, and mobile-based advisory services. By integrating satellite imagery, sensors, drones, machine learning, Internet of Things devices and AI-powered chatbots, farmers can make timely decisions, reduce input waste, conserve water and minimize crop losses. However, limited internet connectivity, inadequate rural infrastructure, low digital literacy, data-security concerns and unequal access remain significant barriers. Addressing these challenges through inclusive policies, farmer training and responsible technology development will be essential for ensuring that AI complements farmers’ knowledge and supports resilient, productive and sustainable agriculture.

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Published

2026-07-24

How to Cite

Jagadhesan, B., Devika, S., Adavi, B. S., Naveenkumar, A., Santhiya, S., Vaishali, C., Rajeshwari, & Padhan, B. K. (2026). 5 Ways AI Is Making Farming Smarter and Greener. NG Agriculture Insights, 2(S1), 60-65. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21531583

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