AI in agriculture is revolutionizing farming practices by leveraging machine learning to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. AI-powered systems analyze data from sensors, drones, and satellites to optimize crop growth, resource management, and pest control. This leads to increased yields, reduced waste, and improved overall farm management.

The APO Secretariat held the Training Course on AI in Agriculture in Sendai, Japan, on 23–27 March 2026. The objectives were to provide comprehensive insights into the benefits, challenges, potential, and applications of AI and to offer practical, step-by-step guidance on how to leverage AI in the agriculture sector to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Twenty participants from 15 APO members completed the training course, guided by three resource persons: one each from Indonesia, Japan, and Sri Lanka. On site visits to three Japanese farms (Tamaurananbu Production Association, OMOKAWA NOJO Inc., and Sunfresh Matsushima Co., Ltd.), participants learned about factors influencing AI adoption decisions. At the end of the training course, participants gave presentations on their plans to apply what they had learned in their own contexts.