When you are surrounded by the scents and sweet breezes of the open countryside you understand the value of protecting the environment, and you also perceive the gravity of the dangers that loom over it.
Today, a conscious and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence gives us an additional ally in the defense of Mother Earth.

Italian agriculture is undergoing a phase of digital transformation, driven by the adoption of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics. Several universities and companies in the country are developing cutting-edge projects that aim to optimize agricultural processes, increase productivity and reduce environmental impact.

The Rise of Precision Farming

Precision agriculture is an approach that uses data analytics and advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of farming practices. Thanks to AI and IoT, farmers can now collect and analyze a wide range of information, such as soil conditions, moisture levels, pest presence, and more.

Innovative Projects Throughout Italy

One of the most interesting projects is the one developed by the University of Milano-Bicocca.

IoT sensors constantly monitor soil and environmental parameters, while AI algorithms analyze data to optimize irrigation and fertilization.

Thanks to these systems, water consumption can be optimized and reduced by up to 30% and fertilizers by 20%, without compromising crop yield.

Another example of how, especially in the US, AI is rapidly making its way into the world of agriculture is the use of drones and robots to monitor the status of crops.

The Polytechnic University of Milan is also active in this field, with the “Smart Agrifood” project that combines IoT, AI and big data to optimize the management of agricultural companies.

Tangible Benefits for Farmers

These precision agriculture projects are already showing tangible results for Italian farmers. In addition to savings in terms of water, fertilizers and pesticides, AI and IoT-based systems allow for increased productivity and crop quality.

Furthermore, the adoption of these advanced technologies is attracting the interest of young people towards the agricultural sector, helping to renew the image of an activity often perceived as traditional and not very innovative.

The Future of Italian Agriculture

Precision agriculture projects demonstrate how artificial intelligence, IoT and robotics can revolutionize the agricultural sector, improving the productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of Italian companies.

It is the beginning of a virtuous digital transformation, which will undoubtedly contribute over the coming months and years to convincing skeptics that AI, rather than a monster ready to eat up professionalism and jobs, can become, on the contrary, a powerful tool to allow our young people to develop one of the oldest and noblest activities: the one that brings genuine food to our tables.

For further information:
https://ibicocca.unimib.it/agricoltura_4punto0/

https://www.osservatori.net/it/ricerche/osservatori-attivi/smart-agrifood