AI revolutionises food and agriculture, says Godrej Agrovet at Davos
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in the food and agriculture sectors, as highlighted by Nadir Godrej, Chairperson of Godrej Agrovet, at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Speaking to NDTV, Godrej emphasised AI's pivotal role in enhancing crop protection, optimising inputs, and boosting productivity.
Godrej Agrovet employs AI extensively in its crop protection business. By analysing photographs of crops, AI systems can accurately identify diseases, providing farmers with timely and precise solutions. This application is particularly beneficial for smallholders managing large oil palm plantations.
Through satellite imaging, AI evaluates the condition of oil palm plantations and generates recommendations on fertiliser use, soil management, and other critical inputs. “This technology ensures optimal input usage, reducing costs and preventing environmental harm caused by excessive fertiliser application,” he explained. He further noted that the company's collaboration with global AI firms and in-house AI professionals drives these innovations.
In addition to agricultural applications, Godrej Agrovet leverages AI to optimise its food business operations. The company uses AI-powered analysis of store photographs to assess shelf space allocation, enhancing sales efficiency. This data-driven approach enables more productive deployment of sales teams and better inventory management.
Reflecting on global trade dynamics, Godrej acknowledged the potential impact of tariff policies under Donald Trump’s renewed presidency. He advocated for a proactive reduction of high tariffs on certain products, arguing that lower tariffs would benefit Indian industries while positioning the country as a favorable alternative if trade tensions with China escalate.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Godrej Agrovet’s operations. Godrej highlighted the company’s "Good and Green" initiative launched in 2010, which integrates environmental and social sustainability into business processes. The program aligns with India’s mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework and contributes to broader societal benefits.
This year’s WEF meeting, attended by approximately 3,000 global leaders, focuses on relaunching economic growth, leveraging new technologies, and strengthening resilience. India’s delegation, comprising Union ministers, chief ministers, and state leaders, aims to attract investment and position the country as a leader in sustainable development and technological advancements.