New technologies are being adopted in the agricultural sector through AI Engage, Know how

Under the Quad AI-ENGAGE initiative, special guidelines have been issued for joint research proposals. This initiative involves collaboration between the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). These agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance research cooperation in emerging agricultural technologies.

Addressing Global Food Challenges by 2050:

By 2050, the global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion, increasing the demand for food and the consumption of land and water resources. Collaborative research and innovation in the Indo-Pacific region will help address these growing challenges. Through AI-ENGAGE, scientists from the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia will jointly conduct research in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, communication, and sensing. The goal is to help farmers achieve greater productivity and sustainability, ensuring global agricultural resilience.

AI-ENGAGE Goals:

The initiative aims to strengthen research collaboration between Quad countries (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) and amplify the impact of technological research in agriculture. Researchers are invited to submit joint proposals, which must include participants from at least three Quad nations.

Improving Agriculture Through AI and Robotics:

The proposals will focus on advancing agricultural applications of AI, robotics, sensing, and communication technologies. The research aims to assist farmers in enhancing productivity, maintaining sustainability, and making agriculture more resilient. Potential research topics include AI-enabled crop planning and monitoring, improving agricultural workforce efficiency through robotics, and managing land and water resources.

ICAR Support for Indian Researchers in AI-ENGAGE:

Indian researchers participating in AI-ENGAGE will be eligible for support from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to expand the scope and impact of their proposals.

Financial Grants for Research Proposals:

1. U.S. proposals may request up to $400,000 in funding from NSF, with a maximum duration of three years.
2. Japanese proposals can request up to 60,000,000 JPY (including indirect costs) from JST, with duration of up to three years.
3. Indian proposals may request up to ₹30,000,000 for each joint proposal with duration of up to three years.
4. Australian proposals are not eligible for direct financial support.