Brazil's MST earns Chinese AI accolade as project boosts agroecology

The Digital Agroecology Laboratory of Brazil's Landless Workers' Movement (MST) was highlighted by China’s National Development and Reform Commission as one of the ten world‑leading artificial‑intelligence initiatives for agriculture. Developed with the University of Brasília, China Agricultural University and the Baobab Association, the platform combines BeiDou satellite data with on‑site sensors to monitor soil moisture, temperature and pest activity in real time, reportedly raising maize yields by nearly 200 % and supporting more than 1,000 farming families.

At the same time, Brazilian researchers and MST agronomists discussed ways to cut methane emissions from irrigated rice during the Climate Action Week in Porto Alegre. Presentations noted that while agriculture generates about 75 % of Brazil’s methane, irrigated rice accounts for less than 2 % of total emissions, and that existing technologies can substantially reduce this impact without lowering output. The discussions underscored the role of scientific innovation and community‑based practices in advancing food security and climate goals.