AI/ML Applications in Agriculture and Food Processing

Book Chapter

Book : Food and Industry 5.0: Transforming the Food System for a Sustainable Future

Publisher : Springer

Date Published: Upcoming (Expected January, 2025)

Authors

• Kushagra Agrawal
• Dr. Navneer Kumar

Abstract

The application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the agriculture and food processing sectors has sparked considerable interest in recent years for revolutionizing traditional practices and enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability throughout the food supply chain. This chapter will provide an overview of various applications of AI or ML in agriculture and food processing, ranging from crop management and precision agriculture to food quality control and supply chain optimization. In the realm of agriculture, AI and ML techniques are utilized for crop monitoring, disease detection, yield prediction, and irrigation management, for making scientists, planners and farmers to utilize the knowledge for making decisions and optimization of resources. Moreover, AI-driven robotics and automation systems are increasingly employed for tasks such as planting, weed control, and harvesting offering solutions to labour unavailability and improving overall farm efficiency. In food processing, AI and ML contribute significantly to quality assurance, product optimization, and predictive maintenance. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of food production processes, facilitating early detection of anomalies and ensuring compliance with quality standards. Additionally, AI-powered algorithms are employed for product development and sensory analysis, facilitating companies in adapting products to consumer preferences and market demands. Furthermore, AI-driven supply chain management solutions are transforming the distribution and logistics aspects of the food industry,

optimizing inventory management, route planning, and demand forecasting. By leveraging AI and ML algorithms, companies can minimize waste, minimize expenditures, and boost overall operational efficiency throughout the food supply chain. Despite the numerous benefits offered by AI and ML technologies in agriculture and food processing, several challenges remain, including concern about data privacy, ethical considerations, and the importance of stringent regulatory frameworks, which are needed for judicious application in revolutionizing the agriculture and food processing sectors and ensuring sustainable and robust food systems for the years to come.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Agriculture, Food Processing, Sustainability

Authors and Affiliations

• Kushagra Agrawal, School of Computer Engineering, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
• Dr. Navneet Kumar, Principal Scientist, Education System Division, ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad, India