Global agri-tech giant Syngenta harnesses AI to narrow digital gap in farming

Syngenta Group is deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced agricultural technology to help farmers overcome volatility and bridge the digital divide, said the company's Chief Information and Digital Officer Feroz Sheikh.

Speaking to China Global Television Network (CGTN), Sheikh explained that volatility in farming stems from factors such as weather, geopolitical issues, and commodity prices, creating significant challenges for farmers. He said the company is addressing this by developing predictive algorithms to help farmers anticipate changes in prices and weather, enabling better decision-making.

"I would say, the other important factor is essentially access to the technology. And small farmers, but in particular in countries like China or other Asian countries, for them to be able to really get access to that technology. What you can describe it as a digital divide. And that's where we believe that data and AI can start to help bridge that divide," said Sheikh.

Sheikh likened agricultural advancement to a jigsaw puzzle, noting that while significant progress has been made in chemistry, genetics, and machinery, data and AI are the final crucial pieces that help farmers make precise decisions.

"In fact, if you think of it as a jigsaw puzzle, over the last few decades, we have seen major advancements in new chemistry, new genetics, and machinery on the farm. The final piece of that jigsaws puzzle is data and AI. With data, we can help farmers make better decisions. Those decisions could be related to applying the products and the machines that can spray it with precision. So that final piece of that jigsaw puzzle is really the key, in my opinion. So, when it comes to Agri-Tech, it's about putting the final piece of puzzle in it," he said.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of ChemChina, the Switzerland-headquartered agricultural technology company's businesses span seeds, crop protection, plant nutrition and digital agriculture, focusing on improving farm productivity and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Global agri-tech giant Syngenta harnesses AI to narrow digital gap in farming

China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Wednesday called for further efforts to serve the country's economic and social development with high-quality advice and to ensure a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks when addressing a symposium held to analyze the economic situation.

Wang called for studying and implementing the guiding principles of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the Central Economic Work Conference, and gaining a sound understanding of the overall requirements, policy priorities and major tasks of this year's economic work.

He highlighted the importance of thinking and acting in line with the CPC Central Committee's decisions and plans on economic work.

The CPPCC should carry out inspections and research tours focusing on major theoretical and practical issues related to economic and social development during the new five-year period, further enhance studies in the economic sector, and provide high-quality advice to support a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Wang said.

At the symposium, 11 national political advisors and an economic expert spoke on a range of topics, including the integration of technological innovation with industrial innovation, the promotion of consumption and investment, and the construction of a modern industrial system.

Wang Yong, vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, chaired the symposium.

China's top political advisor stresses boosting new five-year plan off to a good start