As climate change alters weather patterns and growing conditions, one pressing question asked by farmers and researchers worldwide is: how will agriculture change in unpredictable climates? A pivotal change is that the location of suitable land for farming will shift dramatically in the coming decades. While experts predict a decline in agricultural potential in southern Canada, the north could see new opportunities emerge. However, much still remains unknown, posing a challenge for those planning for agricultural shifts.
Predicting the unpredictable has been a matter of expert opinion, until recently. But the way researchers generate climate change predictions is shifting thanks to advancements in predictive modelling. Enter Aman Bhullar, whose PhD work focuses on the potential for using predictive modeling as a tool to inform decision-making for agricultural producers and planners. Aman recently completed his PhD in Applied Statistics at the University of Guelph under the supervision of Dr. Ayesha Ali and Dr. Khurram Nadeem. Through the course of his research, Aman has been applying modeling techniques to tricky agricultural questions. In particular, his work leverages the potential for artificial intelligence and data to predict how land suitability will shift due to climate change in northern regions, often called Canada’s agricultural frontier. Along with fellow researcher Patrick McMillan (PhD), Aman has turned his innovative research into LandWise Analytica, a commercial service that addresses issues in the agricultural industry with data-driven insights.
Aman’s current work with LandWise Analytica is driven by passion for food security from his own personal experience growing up in a family of farmers from the Punjab region in India, combined with his expertise in predictive modelling. Aman says, “data [can] inform proactive policies that address the anticipated negative impacts of climate on agriculture, ultimately supporting long-term food security and sustainability”.
Since its launch earlier this year, LandWise Analytica has taken off with interest both in Canada and internationally. As the project evolves, Aman hopes to collaborate with municipalities in northern Ontario, a region whose agricultural sector is undergoing a transformation. Aman’s service will help local municipalities identify crops and farming practices that will contribute to increased food security among northern Indigenous and rural communities.
Aman’s strong work ethic is apparent both in his work on predictive modelling and the successful launch of LandWise Analytica as a commercial venture to expand the reach of
his research. The transition from his PhD research to this innovative project represents years of dedication and strategic networking. Through active participation in conferences, including several opportunities with Food from Thought, and collaborations with industry partners, Aman has secured funding, initiated trials, and fostered partnerships, driving the growth and impact of LandWise Analytica.
As LandWise Analytica expands, refining the predictive capabilities of its model will be a key challenge. To improve its accuracy, Aman and his team are working to gain better access to critical agricultural, spatial, and economic data. As the network of partners grows, these data will help fine-tune the model and enhance the impact of the service. The capacity for predictive modelling to improve in accuracy echoes Aman’s own advice to students: always seek out ways to improve. As Aman puts it, “When you invest passion and effort into your work, it not only brings a sense of pride but also creates opportunities and opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.”
To learn more about Aman’s work and LandWise Analytica, check out their website.
