AI Revolutionizing Agriculture: Insights from Godrej Agrovet at Davos
The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos has consistently highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative force across industries. This year, Nadir Godrej, Chairperson of Godrej Agrovet, shed light on how AI is driving significant advancements in the food and agriculture sectors. Speaking to NDTV’s Vishnu Som, Mr. Godrej elaborated on the multifaceted role AI plays in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and promoting sustainability in agricultural practices.
One of the primary applications of AI at Godrej Agrovet is in crop protection. The company uses AI-powered tools to analyze photographs of crops, identifying diseases with precision. This innovative approach has revolutionized the way farmers manage crop health, allowing timely intervention to mitigate potential losses. “We use photographs to find crop diseases. AI studies the photographs and determines what kind of disease it is, and that is very useful,” Mr. Godrej explained.
A notable example of AI’s impact can be seen in Godrej Agrovet’s oil palm business. Smallholders, who often lack resources to effectively manage their plantations, benefit from AI-driven insights. The company uses satellite imagery to monitor plantations, providing tailored advice on fertilizer use and soil conditions to optimize yields. “We also do soil testing, and all that gets analyzed using AI to improve the quality and yield of the oil produced,” Mr. Godrej added. This approach not only boosts productivity but also minimizes environmental impact by reducing overuse of fertilizers, which can damage soil and cause pollution.
AI’s integration extends beyond farming practices to operational efficiencies in Godrej Agrovet’s food businesses. By analyzing photographs of store shelves, AI helps the company manage shelf space effectively, making its sales staff more productive. This demonstrates how technology can streamline business processes, ensuring optimal resource utilization at every level.
Mr. Godrej also addressed challenges posed by international trade policies, particularly under the renewed Trump presidency. The prospect of tariff wars presents hurdles for Indian agriculture firms. However, Mr. Godrej suggested that reducing certain tariffs could bolster India’s position in global markets while attracting foreign investment. He emphasized that many foreign companies now manufacture in India, making some high tariffs redundant. “By reducing these tariffs, we can ensure that India is not adversely affected by high tariffs on global competitors,” he noted.
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of Godrej Agrovet’s operations. The company’s “Good and Green” initiative, launched in 2010, underscores its commitment to environmental and social sustainability. This program aligns with India’s broader goals of sustainable development, as showcased by the nation’s strong presence at Davos this year. India sent five Union ministers, three chief ministers, and representatives from various states to demonstrate its leadership in technology and sustainability.
As the global community at Davos deliberates on harnessing technology and strengthening resilience, Godrej Agrovet stands out as an example of how AI can drive progress in agriculture. By combining innovation with a commitment to sustainability, the company is setting a benchmark for the industry, offering valuable lessons for businesses worldwide.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com