Achi news desk-
Pakistan needs to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to revolutionize crop management and optimize yields. This innovative approach harnesses the power of AI to improve decision-making processes, optimize the use of resources, and ultimately boost productivity for farmers across the country, according to WealthPK.
According to a report by the Agriculture Information Bank, AI can help tackle one of humanity’s biggest challenges ahead of feeding an additional two billion people by 2050, as UN projections record that no but 4% of additional land will be available for cultivation.
“AI is a solution to increase agricultural productivity with less resource use,” said Muhammad Azeem Tariq, Senior Scientific Officer at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC).
He said, “One of the key areas where AI is having a significant impact is predictive analytics. Through AI-driven algorithms, large amounts of data are analyzed, including weather patterns, soil conditions, historical crop performance, and market trends. This data-driven approach enables farmers to make informed decisions about planting, irrigation, fertilizer use, and crop protection from pests and diseases.
“Additionally, AI-powered drones and sensors play a significant role in monitoring crop health and early detection of potential problems. These technologies provide real-time insight into plant vigor, water stress levels, nutrient deficiencies, and pests. By identifying problems early on, farmers can take proactive steps to mitigate risks and prevent crop losses.”
Although AI has huge potential in agriculture, limitations still need to be addressed, such as farmers’ lack of digital literacy, affordability, and access to technology, especially in remote regions. To solve these problems and guarantee that the benefits of AI are widely distributed, the public, private and non-governmental organizations should work together, he added.
Speaking to WealthPK, M Bilal, SSO at the NARC said, “The integration of AI technologies in Pakistan’s agriculture sector is a significant milestone in modernizing crop management practices. make data-driven decisions, optimize the use of resources, and maximize productivity.”
He said that using AI plays a vital role in connecting farmers to the markets. AI-driven market analysis tools empower farmers to make strategic decisions about crop selection and market timing. By analyzing market trends, supply-demand dynamics, and price fluctuations, farmers can identify profitable opportunities and optimize their crop portfolios for maximum profitability.
For example, by using mobile applications and online platforms, farmers can get real-time information about market conditions, prices, and demand forecasts, which guarantees that they receive fair prices for their produce. However, it is essential to ensure that smallholder farmers can access these technologies and that they receive adequate training and support to implement them effectively.
