AI in Agriculture: Artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital connectivity are opening new possibilities for smarter and more sustainable farming. At the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi, the second meeting of the UN Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems (GI-AI4FS) brought together representatives from government bodies, international organizations, agricultural research institutions, academia and industry to discuss how these technologies can address real-world challenges across agriculture and food systems. The discussions focused on promoting responsible, effective and farmer-centric AI solutions, strengthening international cooperation and translating technological innovation into practical applications.
The meeting was hosted by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). GI-AI4FS is a United Nations global initiative coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
According to the event information, around 70 delegates attended the meeting in person, while another 25 participants joined online. The gathering provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore ways to strengthen the use of AI and IoT in agricultural production, food systems and related supply chains.
Discussions highlighted the potential of AI, connected sensors and digital technologies to help farmers make better-informed decisions. By analysing information collected from fields, weather stations, drones and satellites, technology-based systems can support more precise and timely farm management.
Key applications include:
Ahead of the GI-AI4FS meeting, a two-day international hackathon on AI for Agri-Food Systems was held on 8–9 October 2026 at the ICAR campus in New Delhi. The event was jointly organised by TEC, DoT and ICAR. The hackathon brought together students, researchers, developers and innovators to develop technology-based solutions for real-world challenges in agriculture and food systems.
During the GI-AI4FS meeting, shortlisted teams presented their innovations and demonstrated AI applications developed during the event. The programme also featured the presentation of winning solutions and an award ceremony recognizing outstanding innovations and the contributions of participating teams, partners, mentors, and other supporters. The initiative offered an opportunity to connect technical expertise with practical agricultural needs and explore how emerging solutions could be developed further for real-world use.
Global Cooperation on AI Governance and Technical Standards:
Alongside technological innovation, the meeting addressed the governance and organisational development of GI-AI4FS. The agenda included discussions on the proposed governance and coordination structure, the nomination and confirmation of Working Group Chairs, Co-Chairs and members, and the terms of reference for these groups. Participants also considered priority areas and initial work streams to guide the initiative's future activities.
An important focus was encouraging AI solutions that are trustworthy, interoperable, and designed around farmers' needs. Common approaches to technical standards and stronger international coordination can help different digital systems work together and support the responsible use of AI across agricultural value chains.
Why AI-Based Farming Matters for Farmers:
AI and IoT technologies could help farmers respond more effectively to changing weather conditions, monitor crop health, and use water and other inputs more efficiently. They may also support better supply-chain management and help reduce avoidable crop losses. For these technologies to deliver meaningful benefits, farmers need more than advanced digital tools. Affordable devices, reliable rural internet access, local-language advisories, practical training, and access to dependable agricultural data will be essential, particularly for small and marginal farmers.
Technology should complement, rather than replace, agricultural expertise and field-level support. Solutions must be tested under local conditions and made accessible to the farmers who need them most.
FAQs:
1. What is AI in agriculture?
AI in agriculture refers to the use of artificial intelligence to analyse farming data, monitor crops, predict potential problems and support better agricultural decisions.
2. How can AI help farmers?
AI can help farmers understand weather patterns, detect crop diseases, manage irrigation, monitor crop growth and improve farm planning.
3. What is the role of IoT in smart farming?
The Internet of Things (IoT) connects sensors and digital devices that collect information about soil moisture, temperature, weather and crop conditions.
4. How can AI and IoT reduce farming costs?
These technologies can help farmers use water, fertilisers and other inputs more efficiently. Actual savings depend on technology costs, farm conditions and how the systems are used.
5. What are the main challenges of AI-based farming in India?
Major challenges include limited rural connectivity, high technology costs, inadequate digital skills, unreliable data and the need for advice in local languages.
