Expert Take on AI Applications in Agriculture: Driving Productivity and Sustainability

Noida, Uttar Pradesh (India), May 15, 2025: With an expanding global population and the ongoing problems of climate change, the need for innovation in agriculture has never been more poignant. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a game-changing technology that has the power to increase productivity, sustainability, and resilience on the farm. Puneet Dutt Sharma, a tech expert, explores how AI could power the next generation of agriculture. “AI in agriculture isn’t just a productivity tool; it's core for making agriculture efficient, sustainable, and resilient for the future,” says Sharma, whose technology-enabled farming ideas have reimagined the space.

In this new era of farming, his specialized training in the use of AI-powered solutions has ushered in a new age of farming. AI applications are transforming decision-making in agriculture, predicting everything from weather patterns and crop yields to optimal irrigation schedules and soil health. AI-driven predictive analytics examines immense sets of data, such as satellite imagery, soil conditions, and climate trends, to equip farmers with actionable insights. This allows for more effective planning and resource management, which is essential in a time of erratic weather and shifting climate patterns.

Another revolutionary use case of AI is precision farming. AI-driven real-time crop monitoring is made possible by technologies such as drones, autonomous machinery, and sensor networks—helping farmers detect and remediate problems like a pest invasion, watering stress, or disease before outbreaks cause larger impacts on crop yield or quality. This targeted strategy minimizes pesticide, fertilizer, and water use, decreasing costs and environmental impact while enhancing productivity.

According to Sharma, the real potential for AI is that it enables sustainability to become a seamless part of farming. “Using fewer resources doesn't mean being more sustainable; it means being more intelligent about using resources,” he says. AI-based agricultural practices reduce waste and promote good ecological stewardship by maximizing inputs such as water and fertilizers while minimizing harmful chemical applications. It simultaneously boosts yields while conserving essential resources and safeguarding ecosystems.

AI is making its mark outside of the field as well, improving supply chain efficiency and minimizing food waste. This includes AI-powered logistics solutions that effectively optimize distribution networks to guarantee that fresh produce arrives at markets faster and with minimal spoilage. Now, these innovations place a premium on the ability to provide a reliable and effective food supply chain, with the capacity to meet the growing global demand. While it can be transformative, the adoption of artificial intelligence in agriculture is not without its challenges. Access to technology and training is a major barrier, especially for small-scale farmers in developing areas, Sharma says. He recommends investing even more in education and providing access to the tools of AI—tools need to be democratized; they must be part of everyone so the innovation is also ubiquitous; “Innovation must be inclusive, not exclusive," stresses Sharma.

“AI has the potential to revolutionize agriculture, but this will only happen if farmers around the globe, both in developing and developed regions, have the means and know-how to use it.” Moving forward, Sharma sees a future where AI can align with the potential of other emerging technologies such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enable transparent, efficient, and sustainable agricultural systems. AI is set to usher in a new era of smart agriculture that enhances food production while managing environmental pressures.

“AI isn’t just about producing more food; it’s about doing so in a way that is sustainable for future generations,” Sharma takes an elusive pause as he finishes. His vision highlights the power of technology to transform and solve global issues, showing that innovation and collaboration can allow agriculture to rise to the challenges of a growing world while protecting the planet.