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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming agriculture by enhancing crop genetics and helping farmers create crops that are more resilient to climate change, diseases, and pests—all while reducing breeding timelines. Leading agribiotech companies such as Bayer, Syngenta, and Illumina spearhead these innovations, building sustainable food supply for the rapidly growing global population.
These advancements come at a critical time. The increasing pressures of climate change, soil degradation, and a rising population require a new approach. With AI, researchers can rewrite the genetic makeup of crops, making them more adaptable to extreme weather and more resistant to pests.
“For millennia, the success of crops and even entire societies has depended on man’s ability to forecast weather and other growing conditions,” reflects Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Syngenta Group. “AI is helping us accelerate R&D to create better, more resilient crops as well as next-generation solutions for plant health,”
AI Accelerates Crop Breeding and Resilience
AI is helping in many diverse ways. One notable use is finding genetic markers for good traits like drought tolerance and pest resistance. Companies like Bayer use this technology to create new seed products.
“We have built the most technically enabled precision breeding platform in the industry,” explained Mike Graham, Head of Breeding at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. AI has enabled Bayer’s to reduce breeding cycle times by up to 15 times, cut product development timelines by two years, and double the rate of genetic gains by 2030.
The use of AI extends beyond genetics. AI-powered digital tools are also helping farmers make better decisions in the field. In 2022, Syngenta introduced a digital tool to find nematode infestations in soybean crops. The tool uses a special algorithm to predict crop losses before they can be seen by the human eye.
“This digital tool uses a unique, proprietary algorithm to analyze images of fields obtained by satellites,” explains Thomas Jung, Chief Data Officer at Syngenta Group.
Illumina, a key player in genetic analysis, provides technologies that analyze millions of DNA samples annually. This data helps AI find key genetic traits and guide breeding decisions. “More than 10 million DNA samples derived from crops and livestock have been genotyped using Illumina’s Infinium technology in 2023,” noted Evgeny Glazov, General Manager at Illumina. This technology ensures that farmers and researchers can breed crops in any given climate or with specific needs.
Smart Tools Drive Sustainable Farming Practices
AI also has promises about sustainability. Smart tools reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides, thereby reducing the environmental impacts of farming. Aside from that, it helps improve soil health, manage water usage, and create more efficient farming practices. For example, after implementing smart fertilizer mapping, Syngenta has reported a reduction of up to 20% in fertilizer usage and a boost in crop yields by 15%.
These advances are vital in agriculture to keep up with global food demand while preserving natural resources. The integration of AI in breeding and farming practices offers hope for a more resilient and sustainable future. “More can be produced from the same piece of land, and more people can be fed without depleting the planet,” said Jeremy Williams, Head of Digital Farming for Bayer’s Crop Science Division.
With AI leading these advancements, the future of agriculture looks promising—one where crops are better equipped to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable environment and technology empowers farmers to feed the world sustainably.
