Artificial intelligence-driven advancements in agricultural biotechnology

The need for faster and more informative data processing for better decision-making is driving the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the agricultural sector. Thanks to recent advancements in computer science and the increase in computational powers of modern computers, AI is not only augmenting traditional solutions, but also helping in developing novel solutions to existing challenging matters. AI-driven models have an exceptional ability to identify patterns and combine a diverse collection of data together and make inference. The increasing pressure on farmlands posed by the growing global population and climate change is lessening growth, yield, and productivity ultimately posing risk to food security worldwide. Incorporation of AI in agriculture has the potential to drive farming efficiency to new heights. This comprehensive review critically evaluates the evolution of AI in agricultural biotechnology from a theoretical concept to a global phenomenon. A comprehensive literature search was performed using major scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Lens and the Cochrane Library. In this review, we empirically demonstrate the fields advancement toward more capable AI systems and discuss the current applications of AI across crop improvement and precision agriculture such as crop improvement and genetic engineering, genomic selection and plant breeding, pest and disease detection, precision agriculture and smart farming, soil health and nutrient management, climate resilient crop development, livestock biotechnology, challenges and ethical considerations in AI based agricultural biotechnology. Furthermore, this review addresses the exponential growth of commercial intellectual property in the field and contrast it with academic publication outputs. Finally, we critically assess the ethical challenges impeding equitable adoption of AI including data sovereignty and digital divide, while projecting future frontiers involving quantum computing. This review will help build sustainable agricultural systems capable of adapting to climate change, contribute to the development of climate-resilient and high-yielding crops, and address global food security challenges.