ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – A GAMECHANGER FOR AGRICULTURE?

Membership Engagement & Innovation

MATT KEALLEY

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various industries, and agriculture is no exception. I believe sugarcane is poised to benefit significantly from the integration of AI technologies in the farming system, the supply chain, through technology and the use of data. AI, which refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, has the potential to revolutionise sugarcane production by improving efficiency, precision, and sustainability.

One notable example of AI in agriculture is Chat GPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI. Chat GPT is a cutting-edge technology that uses machine learning algorithms to generate human-like text responses based on input prompts. It has been trained on a massive amount of data and can generate coherent and contextually relevant text in real-time.

The application of AI such as Chat GPT in sugarcane can bring about several advantages. It can enhance crop management through predictive analytics. By analysing vast amounts of data, such as weather patterns, soil conditions, and historical yield data, AI can generate insights that can help growers make more informed decisions. For example, it can provide real-time information on the optimal time for planting, harvesting, and fertilising, leading to improved crop yield and better utilisation of inputs and resources.

AI can aid in disease and pest management. Sugarcane crops are often vulnerable to diseases and pests that can significantly impact yield and quality such as cane grubs, RSD and pachymetria. AI can analyse data on disease and pest prevalence, and provide early warning systems to farmers, enabling them to take proactive measures, such as targeted pesticide application or crop fallows, to mitigate the risks.

For irrigated cane growing districts, AI can optimise irrigation practices by analysing data on soil moisture levels, weather conditions, and crop water requirements to generate precise irrigation recommendations, helping farmers use water more efficiently which can lead to improved production and reduced electricity costs.

AI can also facilitate labour management in sugarcane farming. Farm labour and contracting is a significant cost in sugarcane and managing the workforce and its logistics can be complex. AI can assist in managing tasks, such as scheduling and allocating resources, which can streamline operations and reduce labour costs.

In addition to the operational benefits, AI can also contribute to sustainability in sugarcane farming. Using AI insights to optimise timing and application of inputs, such as fertiliser and pesticides, can support productivity, leverage sustainability and contribute to the long-term viability of the sugarcane industry.

Despite the potential benefits, it's important to note that the integration of AI also raises ethical, social, and regulatory considerations. For example, data privacy, security, and ownership are critical concerns that need to be addressed. Growers need to ensure that data used by AI technologies are securely stored and used in compliance with relevant regulations and ethical standards. Additionally, the potential impact of AI on employment in agriculture should be carefully considered, and measures should be taken to mitigate any negative consequences.

AI, including technologies like Chat GPT, has the potential to be a game-changer for agriculture and the sugarcane industry in Queensland. It’s a technology that is seeing exponential growth and has application on farm and throughout the supply chain. The question remains – where could AI have the greatest impact? 