Quantum computing has the potential to transform areas like bioinformatics, remote sensing, climate modeling and smart farming. An Embrapa study highlights the potential of technology to solve complex problems in agriculture, such as early detection of diseases. Advance is considered strategic for the country and requires investments in research, training and infrastructure. Cloud-based simulators already allow algorithm testing and familiarization with the technology. An emerging technology promises to boost digital agriculture and profoundly impact agricultural research areas: quantum computing. With the potential to solve complex problems more quickly and accurately, this innovation can be applied in areas such as smart farming, climate modeling, remote sensing and bioinformatics, according to a study by Embrapa Digital Agriculture (Campinas, SP, Brazil) with support from the São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Fapesp) Center of Science for Development in Digital Agriculture. The paper published in the scientific journal (PAB) analyzes the applications and challenges of quantum computing in the agricultural sector and deems it strategic for the future of the sector. “Research at the frontier of knowledge, such as in quantum computing, can support more efficient decision-making in different links of the sector's production chains, as it involves processes with a high degree of uncertainty, ranging from sowing to the trade of agricultural products”, explains Édson Bolfe, a researcher at Embrapa and co-author of the study. How does quantum computing work? The researcher Kleber Souza, who coordinated the study, explains that, unlike the equipment available today in automobiles, cell phones and home computers, the new apparatus uses quantum physics properties for information storage and processing operations and to solve complex problems. Such machines have superior potential in terms of response quality and speed as they test multiple possibilities and variables at the same time. Hence they go beyond the binary alternative (between two paths at a time) offered by classical computers, including supercomputers. Unlike conventional computers, which operate with binary bits ("0" or "1"), quantum computers use qubits, which can represent "0" and "1" simultaneously. This feature, which is known as superposition, allows those devices to process multiple variables at the same time, providing faster and more detailed answers to complex problems. Applications of quantum computing in agriculture In practice, quantum computing has already been proven promising on several fronts. In climate modeling, it can improve the accuracy of Agricultural Climate Risk Zoning (ACRZ), a system developed by Embrapa and used by managers to elaborate public policy and by financial institutions to back credit arrangements and agricultural insurance calculations. In the area of plant health, simulations through quantum architecture will help to identify diseases early in crops like soybeans and corn. The use of machine learning has already resulted in technology for early identification of diseases. Quantum computing can enhance such operations. In bioinformatics, genomic data analysis can be highly accelerated with quantum computing, which will benefit breeding and genetic improvement studies. The study also points out that, in the future, the technology could integrate advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms, further expanding its application in the field. Challenges and necessary investments Despite the promising potential, the development of quantum applications for agriculture still faces challenges. One of the main ones is the cost. A quantum computer can not only cost up to 20 million dollars, but also requires advanced infrastructure, such as operating temperatures that are close to absolute zero and highly isolated environments. Nevertheless, according to Souza, mastering quantum technology will be strategic for Brazil. "Research and education [on the topic] are areas in which Brazil will also have to invest to ensure technological sovereignty and maintain the competitiveness of the Brazilian agricultural sector", he argues. Quantum computing in Brazil In Brazil, the challenges that implementing quantum computing would pose are being mapped, and important initiatives are already underway, Souza states. In 2022, the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) National Education and Research Network (RNP) and Softex organized a Brazil Quantum Computing Challenge to discuss the issue. The same year saw the launch of the MCTI-Softex Quantum Technologies Network, which is coordinated by the National Industrial Learning Service (Senai) Integrated Manufacturing and Technology Center (Cimatec). The goal is to promote the Brazilian quantum computing ecosystem, by coordinating government action with research centers and startups, preparing the country for the technology. In 2023, Embrapa and Senai Cimatec launched a Mixed Unit for Digital Research and Innovation in Tropical Agriculture (Umipi DITAg). The partnership allows the institutions to share computing infrastructures and teams so that through the use of new sensors, quantum technologies, automation and robotics, they can leverage the development of digital solutions aimed at the agricultural sector in areas like artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, internet of things, photonics and traceability. In 2024, Fapesp launched a research program to promote the progress of quantum technologies, boost the development of startups, attract global investments and bring talent to São Paulo state. Training is key to advance Australia estimates that in 2045 it will need 19,400 experts to meet the demand for work in quantum computing, Souza observes, regarding research and education as equally essential to develop the area in Brazil. On top of infrastructure, the country needs to invest in training specialists. According to the paper, countries like Australia and Germany already offer quantum engineering courses, while in Brazil, institutions have started to adopt programs focused on the topic. For Souza, affordable educational computers starting from US$500 can be a gateway to training professionals and initial algorithm testing. You can't do much with them alone, but when they are associated with cloud services, they can help institutions undertake strategic planning to incorporate quantum computing, he assesses. With that in consideration, the paper maps cloud quantum computing services and simulators that are already available to test algorithms or even for familiarization with this new form of computing. Souza remarks that the idea is to deepen research in the area, at the forefront of knowledge that can be applied to digital agriculture. The paper reports that some universities have already started offering courses in Quantum Engineering. Saarland University, in Germany, started its undergraduate course in 2019; the University of New South Wales, in Australia, opened a master's degree course in 2021, and Virginia Tech, in the USA, in 2022, as a specialization course. An outlook for the future With cloud quantum computing simulators now available, Brazil has the chance to accelerate its entry into the field. "These simulators allow companies and researchers to try out solutions before purchasing the physical equipment", Bolfe explains. The authors assert that, even with the promising potential of quantum technology, its development remains a challenge for the modelling of biological processes in agriculture, as they involve a wide range of variables. Therefore, the evolution of such applications in different production sectors requires continuous computational development and personnel training for the sake of scientific and technological advancement. While quantum computing is still far from most rural properties, it promises to be a powerful ally to face the challenges of modern agriculture. Investing in research, development and capacity-building is not just a matter of innovation, but of ensuring that the country continues to be one of the largest food producers of the world. The numbers of quantum computing Scale - The new technology allows for a change in the scale of problems it can solve and in how modeling is performed in the quantum system. Instead of processing 10,000 possible interactions of field data (soil, plant and climate) on a traditional computer in a given time, in quantum processing it would be possible to process 100,000 interactions in that same time. Qubits - The three billion base pairs of the human genome, which require 1.5 gigabytes on a conventional computer, can be stored in approximately 34 qubits of a quantum computer. By doubling the number of qubits to 68, there is enough space to store the genomes of all humankind. Market - An example of massive investment is the partnership signed in 2022 between the Cleveland Clinic and IBM to set up the One quantum computing system. The partnership involves around 500 million dollars in funding over the next ten years. The focus will be on emerging pathogens and virus-related diseases, shortening the path from critical research to treatments and vaccines. The paper can be accessed here.