Food Agility CRC is home to 64 PhD students and graduates. Each of them has made an invaluable contribution to our community of researchers and project portfolio. Having amassed over 120 research publications since we started in 2017, we felt it was time to start sharing the success stories of our PhD graduates.
In this edition we catch up with Basharat Ali. Ali joined our HDR program in 2019 and completed his PhD on the topic 'The Value Proposition for Australian Digital Agriculture, with a Focus on Precision Agriculture', graduating in 2022.
1. Hi Ali. Could you begin with sharing with us what the most rewarding element of doing a PhD was for you?
Basharat Ali (BA): The most rewarding part of completed a PhD was generating original insights that could contribute to digital transformation in agriculture, especially by connecting research with real-world farming practices.
2. What else did you value about your PhD experience?
BA: I valued the opportunity to collaborate with diverse stakeholders—researchers, industry, and farmers—which enriched both the practical relevance and impact of my work.
3. Your PhD investigated the Value Proposition for Australian Digital Agriculture, with a Focus on Precision Agriculture. What were your key findings?
BA: I found that while digital tools offer strong productivity and sustainability benefits, value realisation depends heavily on usability, trust in data, and clear return on investment for farmers.
4. What are some of the main challenges associated with farmers adopting a digital future?
BA: Challenges include high costs, limited digital literacy, lack of infrastructure in rural areas, and concerns around data privacy and ownership.
5. And are there opportunities in this approach? How do we promote the benefits of a digital future in a more meaningful way?
BA: Yes, the opportunities are immense—improved yields, resource efficiency, and climate resilience. We need targeted education, co-designed solutions, and clear communication of benefits through trusted channels.
6. What have you been up to since graduating?
BA: I’ve been engaged in academic teaching, data science consulting, and publishing research, while also supporting students and institutions in building digital capabilities.
7. What advice would you give to someone starting their PhD journey?
BA: Be clear on your ‘why’, stay curious, build a strong support network, and embrace both the highs and the challenges as part of the learning journey.
8. What’s the value of CRC engagement for students undertaking HDR study?
BA: It bridges the gap between research and industry, offering real-world exposure, networking opportunities, and pathways to impactful, applied outcomes.
