Artificial intelligence is one of the hottest buzzes which is an innovation that entails the utilisation of machine thinking in making critical decisions. The technology has been implemented in the agricultural sector of Nepal and has boosted some activities in the sector.

For instance, AI is currently engaged in agricultural data analysis, detection of farm infestation and others. However, the implementation of artificial intelligence calls for a hefty initial implementation cost and technical expertise. Therefore, Nepal, being a developing nation, needs help to implement agricultural AI in the country. So what are the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence in the agricultural sector of Nepal?

Benefits of artificial intelligence on agriculture

Artificial intelligence has helped farmers in Nepal optimise their agricultural activities. The utilisation of sensors, satellite imagery and drones by farmers in Nepal has enabled them to evaluate their agricultural activities analytically, hence practising a more precise agricultural activity.

Thanks to farm data analysis, Nepal farmers have optimised their irrigation practice by having more excellent topographical know-how of their farms. Additionally, artificial intelligence has helped Nepal’s agricultural sector to analyse their fertiliser application practices, minimising wastage and maximising output. Finally, artificial intelligence has enabled Nepali agricultural farmers to be more aware of species of crops that would be able to do well on their farms, hence maximising their farm yields.

Artificial intelligence has enhanced the detection of agricultural pests and diseases by Nepal farmers. It evaluates farm crops by taking imagery of the crops and evaluating them automatically to detect any infections.

The technology capitalises on data analysis, machine learning, and image recognition to identify any infection that might have attacked the farm crops in Nepal. By capitalising on artificial intelligence, Nepal’s farmers have been able to identify farm infestations earlier and curb the spread of infection before it causes havoc losses. Finally, by automatically analysing farm infestation, artificial intelligence has aided Nepal farmers in keeping farm records as they are automatically saved, enhancing further studies’ conduct.

Challenges of AI agriculture in the context of Nepal

The implementation of AI technology in Nepal has faced technical and infrastructural challenges. Most rural areas in Nepal where agricultural activities are extensively practised are poorly served with the road, electricity and internet connections, which becomes a challenge to implementing agricultural AI innovation.

Additionally, rural areas have low access to computing services, which are essential in the successful implementation of the technology. Finally, the implementation of agricultural AI technology calls for technical expertise, which needs to be improved in most parts of Nepal. Therefore, due to poor technical and infrastructural capabilities in Nepal, the practice of agricultural AI technology in the country has become a challenge to farmers which the government needs to work for and promote more awareness towards because this can be not only helpful for the economy but also to the youth employment opportunities

Installation of agricultural AI in Nepal is expensive for farmers. Most farmers in Nepal practice small-scale farming, hence having low-income flow from their agricultural engagement. However, the initial installation of AI tools, such as sensors, drones, and AI software, can pose financial challenges for farmers. Due to the high farm expenses associated with the technology, it is unethical for Nepal farmers to adopt the technology as the practice would not be able to break even. Nevertheless, failure to implement the innovation limits the agricultural activities of Nepal farmers, resulting in substandard farm produce.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is an innovation that capitalises on machine thinking to enhance productivity. The innovation has currently been implemented in Nepal’s agricultural sector and has been able to oversee the tremendous agricultural transformation. AI is aiding Nepal farmers in the identification of farm infestations and optimisation of their farm activities through data analysis. However, the implementation of the technology is expensive. Moreover, calls for technical and infrastructural support, which has disadvantaged its’ implementation in Nepal and the government of Nepal should overlook this subject matter.