Application of artificial intelligence in agriculture and allied sectors: A comprehensive review towards sustainable solutions

Abstract

Sustainability is a holistic goal that can be effectively achieved through the combined efforts of agriculture and its allied sectors. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a transformative role in this endeavour by bridging sector-specific solutions and integrating them to promote environmental protection and food security. AI is revolutionizing sustainable agriculture, ensuring both food security and environmental protection. The main objective of this article is to comprehensively review the various applications of AI in agriculture and its interlinked sectors like fishery, animal husbandry, forestry, agricultural engineering, horticulture and food science by compiling several previous studies to highlight their role in achieving sustainability and identify research gaps. The literature review was done through databases like Scopus and Google Scholar. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework was used to identify, screen and select articles. This article explores the various applications of AI in pest and disease management, weed management, weather forecasting, soil management, greenhouse farming, precision agriculture and yield management. AI has numerous advantages, such as data-driven decision-making, resource management and reduced environmental impacts. This review highlights the implementation of inclusive strategies to achieve sustainability by pointing out the gaps in research, policy and implementation of technologies. The review concludes that integrating AI into agriculture and its allied sectors offer significant benefits that outweigh potential drawbacks, thereby fostering sustainable practices and environmentally friendly innovations