The government will set out to build a "national agriculture platform" that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to overhaul farming production and management from the ground up. While existing smart farming relied on farmers' skill levels, the plan is to shift to a structure in which AI manages crop growth and provides solutions.
On the morning of the 4th, the government announced the "national agriculture AX platform plan" at an economic ministers' meeting. AX refers to "AI transformation," which applies AI across the entire industrial structure, not merely as a tool.
First, the government will build an AI- and data-based farm management solution platform. AI will analyze crop growth, pests and diseases, and feeding and care management to provide customized farming solutions tailored to farmers' levels. It also plans to establish AI-based smart farm leading models to raise the automation level of agricultural facilities such as greenhouses and livestock barns.
The government will carry out this project as a public-private joint venture. To leverage private-sector technology and capital, it will set up a special purpose company (SPC), with joint investment by the government and the private sector. The total project cost will be at least 290 billion won, with up to 140 billion won in government investment. The plan is structured so the private sector holds more than 51% equity to lead project operations.
The SPC will develop specialized AI models for cultivation and livestock sectors and apply them to actual farms and smart farms. The government plans to designate some areas as "AI smart farming leading districts" to conduct large-scale demonstrations and rollout in parallel. It will streamline related licensing and approval procedures and is considering loan support through policy finance.
Through this platform, the government aims to lower the entry barriers for elderly farmers and beginners and structurally boost agricultural productivity. It also presented a plan to standardize the AI smart farm model and foster it as an export industry.