What's Happening?
Syngenta is addressing global agricultural challenges by expanding its digital capabilities and launching a regional predictive intelligence system for pest and disease outbreaks. This system integrates
real-time scouting data with advanced risk modeling and geospatial AI to forecast outbreak probability and geographic spread, allowing farmers to take preventative action. Syngenta's Cropwise platform is already supporting over two million farmers in India with AI-driven solutions, providing agronomy assistance through a multilingual chatbot. The company is also focusing on making agricultural technology more inclusive, addressing the digital divide highlighted by a recent IPSOS study. This study found that while larger farms are adopting advanced AI solutions, smaller and older farmers risk being left behind. Syngenta is advocating for collaborative approaches and policy frameworks to expand access to agricultural technology, as discussed at the World Economic Forum in January 2026.
Why It's Important?
The initiatives by Syngenta are crucial in addressing the digital divide in agriculture, ensuring that technological advancements benefit all farmers, regardless of size or technical background. By making AI and digital tools accessible, Syngenta aims to revolutionize farming operations, enhance sustainability, and build resilience in the global food system. The focus on inclusivity and collaboration with policymakers and businesses is essential to demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI in agriculture. This approach not only supports farmers in managing economic, geopolitical, and environmental pressures but also contributes to global food security and sustainability goals.
What's Next?
Syngenta plans to continue expanding its digital and AI capabilities, with a focus on making these solutions affordable and accessible across different farmer segments. The company is opening its Cropwise platform to third-party developers to co-innovate and address the technology divide in agriculture. Additionally, Syngenta is committed to maintaining robust data governance standards, ensuring that individual grower data is protected. The upcoming roundtable at the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the Financial Times, will further explore how AI can be responsibly applied across the food value chain, identifying pathways for scalable, long-term impact.
