Collaborative Research: AI-ENGAGE: HARVEST: Holistic AI-powered Agricultural Response Validation and Early Prediction System across Territories

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $175,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project investigates smart farming technologies that use artificial intelligence (AI) to help farmers protect crops, use resources more efficiently, and reduce reliance on chemicals. Typically, farmers lose 20–40% of their harvest each year to pests, diseases, and water or nutrient shortages. By providing early warnings and real-time advice, the HARVEST project enables farmers to respond to these threats and avoid significant losses. By combining sensors, drones, mobile robots, and user-friendly web portals, the proposed approach guides farmers on how to apply water, fertilizer, and pesticides more precisely, thus increasing yields and reducing waste. An international collaboration across the United States, India, Japan, and Australia ensures the developed tools are tested in diverse environments and adapted to support small and medium-scale farms. This project accelerates global food security and fosters workforce development through student training in interdisciplinary AI and digital agriculture. The HARVEST project aims to develop an AI-driven system that addresses important challenges in agricultural production (specifically corn and rice), such as pest outbreaks, crop diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and water stress through three core innovations. First, an early-warning module merges rapid disease tests with image-based analysis to detect pests at their onset. Second, a Digital Twin platform creates a virtual model of each farm, enabling farmers to simulate ma

Key facts

NSF award ID
2520347
Awardee
University of Tennessee Knoxville (TN)
SAM.gov UEI
FN2YCS2YAUW3
PI
Charles Cao
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
INDIA, ROBOTICS, International Partnerships, JAPAN, Artificial Intelligence (AI), SENSING & CONTROL, AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY, AUSTRALIA
Estimated total
$175,000
Funds obligated
$175,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 02/29/2028