Rice: age-old tradition boosted by AI

Rice is one of the world's leading crops. According to the FAO, global production reached 800 million tons in 2023, with China and India leading the way. Brazil holds a prominent position, being the ninth largest global producer and the leading producer outside of Asia, with 10.67 million tons in 2024, according to data from IBGE and Embrapa, nearly 80% of which comes from the South, especially from Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. Although cultivated for over 10,000 years, rice reaches the table today through an increasingly technological process. From cultivation to packaging, sensors, smart machines, and automation systems increase the efficiency and sustainability of production. The Santa Catarina-based Selgron, headquartered in Blumenau, is an example of this advancement. Founded in 1991, the company started with optical sorters aimed at the rice industry and today applies artificial intelligence for precise grain analysis, ensuring quality and standardization. "Rice was ...