By Dave DeFusco
Farmers around the world face a growing list of challenges. Weather patterns are becoming less predictable, resources such as water and fertilizers are becoming more expensive, and many growers lack access to expert advice when they need it most. A team of students from the Katz School鈥檚 M.S. in Biotechnology Management & Entrepreneurship believes technology can help address those problems.
At the 2026 Symposium on Science, Technology and Health, students Sapna Rani, Angel White and Sree Harshini presented their research, 鈥淔ield Fit App: AI-Driven Decision Support for Agriculture Biotechnology,鈥 which explores how artificial intelligence can be used to provide practical, easy-to-understand guidance to farmers to improve agricultural productivity in diverse farming communities around the world.
The project focuses on a new digital application called Field Fit, which was designed to bridge the gap between modern agricultural knowledge and farmers who may not have regular access to experts, training programs or advanced technologies.
鈥淥ur goal was to create a tool that translates complex agricultural information into simple recommendations that farmers can actually use in their daily work,鈥 said Rani. 鈥淲e wanted Field Fit to be affordable, accessible and relevant to the real conditions farmers experience in different regions.鈥
The research adopted an international perspective, examining how digital agricultural technologies are being used across a variety of farming environments. The team investigated three key questions: how Field Fit could be introduced and applied in the field, what benefits farmers might gain from using it and how farmers would perceive and respond to the technology.
Their findings revealed several common challenges facing agricultural communities. Farmers often deal with changing field conditions, limited access to technology, narrow profit margins and uncertainty about adopting artificial intelligence-based tools.
鈥淢any farmers are interested in new technology, but they are also cautious,鈥 said White. 鈥淭hey want solutions that are easy to use, trustworthy and directly connected to the challenges they face every day. Our research showed that adoption barriers remain significant, especially in rural areas where technology infrastructure may be limited.鈥
Field Fit was designed with those realities in mind. The app would use artificial intelligence to analyze information and provide recommendations tailored to local conditions. Rather than presenting complicated data, it offers practical guidance on crop management, irrigation scheduling, pest control and the safe use of agricultural inputs.
鈥淥ne of the most important features of Field Fit is that it delivers localized support,鈥 said Harshini. 鈥淔armers in different regions face different problems. By considering local circumstances, the app can provide recommendations that are more useful and meaningful than general advice.鈥
The students believe that improving access to timely information could have a significant impact on farming outcomes. In many rural communities, growers may have limited opportunities to consult agricultural specialists or receive updates about best practices. FieldFit seeks to place that knowledge directly into farmers鈥 hands through a mobile platform.
The app, they said, has the potential to help farmers make more informed decisions while reducing risks and unnecessary expenses. Better decision-making can lead to stronger crop yields, more efficient use of resources and improved long-term sustainability.
鈥淔armers often have to make critical decisions quickly,鈥 said Rani. 鈥淚f they can access reliable guidance when they need it, they may be able to avoid costly mistakes and improve productivity. That is the value we hope Field Fit can provide.鈥
Adjunct Professor Robert Friedman, who advised the students, emphasized the importance of developing technologies that address real-world agricultural needs.
鈥淎griculture is under increasing pressure from environmental changes, resource constraints and growing global demand,鈥 he said. 鈥淩esearch like Field Fit demonstrates how biotechnology, data science and artificial intelligence can come together to support farmers in practical ways. The success of these technologies depends not only on technical innovation but also on understanding the people who will use them.鈥
