@ AGROBiz | January-February. 2026

The initiative, backed by more than US $ 6 million in combined funding, signalled a growing focus on harnessing emerging technologies to address food security challenges across the United States and the Indo-Pacific.

The National Science Foundation( NSF) announced the first batch of awards under AI-ENGAGE- Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen AGriculturE-committing about US $ 2.4 million to six cross-border research projects.

With additional contributions from partner agencies in Australia, India and Japan, the total investment exceeded US $ 6 million.

GLOBAL CROPS

The programme was jointly implemented with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the Japan Science and Technology Agency and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Each country financed its own research teams, while every approved project was required to involve collaborators from at least three Quad nations.

NSF described the effort as“ a signature achievement of the Quad, demonstrating how the four nations ' shared commitment to critical and emerging technologies research can transform agriculture to address pressing global challenges”.

The selected projects reflected a strong emphasis on field-level applications. Purdue University worked on autonomous aerial and ground robots to detect disease early in apple orchards. Iowa State University developed“ BRIDGE”, an AI-powered smartphone application and chatbot enabling real-time pest and disease diagnostics. Kansas State University introduced“ Smart Scout”, a computer

• The Quad nations( US, India, Japan, Australia) launched the AI-ENGAGE programme to modernise agriculture.

• The goal is to improve crop yields, pest management, and agricultural resilience.

• Uzbekistan is expanding technology-driven agriculture through a partnership with US-based Kaizen Aerospace.

MODERNISED FARMING: The Quad initiative highlights shared commitment to technology, food security, and climate resilience. vision platform to estimate soybean yields and identify lodging.

Elsewhere, the“ HARVEST” system- a collaboration between Missouri University of Science and Technology and the University of Tennessee- applied multimodal AI to manage pests and nutrients in corn and rice.

Washington State University advanced AI-driven, genomic models to improve wheat resilience, while Cornell University accelerated breeding in tomatoes, onions and strawberries using image-based phenotyping tools.

“ By integrating current and emerging technologies, like AI, into agriculture, we are advancing scientific frontiers to provide US farmers and their international counterparts with tools they need to increase crop yields, more effectively manage pests, strengthen agricultural resilience, and ensure a more secure food supply,” said Brian Stone, performing the duties of NSF Director.

The Quad grouping, however, has increasingly prioritised agricultural innovation as climate volatility and supply disruptions place added pressure on global food systems.

UZBEKISTAN is intensifying efforts to bring high-tech solutions to its agricultural sector after Deputy Agriculture Minister Alisher Shukurov visited the United States to expand cooperation on innovative farming technologies.

During the visit, Shukurov met with government agencies and private organisations to discuss the adoption of advanced agrotechnologies nationwide, according to Uzbek media via The Caspian Post.

A key discussion took place with Kaizen Aerospace, Inc.( Kaizen Aerospace) Chief Executive Officer Ziv Marom, focusing on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles( UAVs) in farming and the launch of collaborative projects.

The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan and

DRONE-

POWERED: Pilot projects will demonstrate water-saving and yield-boosting techniques using drones across

Uzbekistan.

Kaizen Aerospace. The agreement lays the groundwork for a joint venture, pilot projects, and the establishment of a Drone Academy. It also explores long-term prospects for assembling and producing drones domestically in Uzbekistan.

Experts said the partnership could transform the agricultural sector by increasing efficiency, cutting costs, introducing watersaving technologies, and boosting crop yields.

Both parties outlined a phased implementation approach that includes designing a business model, financial mechanisms, and a roadmap for practical deployment. The memorandum also highlights scientific research, educational initiatives, and methodological programs to support the integration of UAVs into farming practices nationwide.

“ The introduction of UAVs and cuttingedge agrotechnologies will allow Uzbekistan’ s farmers to adopt smarter, more efficient practices and strengthen the resilience of the sector,” Shukurov said during his visit.

The agreement reflects Uzbekistan’ s growing focus on technology-driven agriculture and aligns with global trends in which drones are increasingly used to monitor crops, optimise farm management, and enhance productivity. The collaboration marks a significant step in modernising the country’ s farming landscape while equipping local farmers with advanced tools and expertise.

- @ AGROBiz