AI Helps Farmers Tackle Climate Challenges

Summary:
Jeremy Bunch, CEO of Shepherd’s Grain, is increasingly concerned about the impact of climate change on his US-based flour business. To mitigate risks, the company has adopted ClimateAi, an AI-powered software that provides precise, locally-tailored weather forecasts and advises on optimal planting and harvesting times. Since its implementation, most of Shepherd’s Grain’s 40-plus farmers have begun using the app for crop management decisions.
ClimateAi’s CEO, Himanshu Gupta, highlights the software’s capability to accelerate the development of climate-resilient seeds by providing insights into optimal growing conditions. This is particularly crucial as climate change continues to alter environmental conditions faster than traditional seed development timelines.
In Tanzania, the AI project Artemis, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, helps breed more resilient crops by speeding up phenotyping processes traditionally reliant on human observation. The AI system, through smartphone apps, enhances data accuracy and consistency, potentially reducing the breeding cycle from 10 years to just a few.
Similarly, North Carolina-based agri-tech firm Avalo uses AI to analyze crop genetics, enabling the development of faster-growing and more resilient varieties like a broccoli that matures in 37 days. Avalo is also working on making rice frost-resistant and potatoes drought-tolerant, significantly reducing the time and cost involved in traditional breeding.
However, challenges remain in AI adoption in agriculture, including data quality and technology accessibility, as noted by Kate E Jones from University College London. Despite these challenges, AI is seen as a vital tool in ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.