Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Agri-Food Industry: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Agriculture plays a crucial role in our existence by supplying food, raw materials, and employment opportunities. In Morocco, it serves as the backbone of the economy, employing 40% of the workforce and contributing approximately 13% to the country's GDP [1]. IoT (Internet of things) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as other advanced computing technologies, have long been used in the agri-food industry. The primary focus of this paper is to assess the diverse utilization of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture, specifically in tasks like irrigation, weeding, and spraying. These applications employ sensors and integrated systems in robots and drones, effectively reducing water and chemical usage, preserving soil fertility, optimizing labor, and enhancing productivity and quality. The research identifies the most common AI strategies used in the industry. Furthermore, we conducted an analysis of significant trends and provided researchers and practitioners with valuable insights for future research endeavors in addition to challenges hindering AgriTech applications in Moroccan farms.