Metaverse in Agriculture: Emerging Opportunities and Associated Risks

The accelerating progress of immersive systems, artificial intelligence, digital replicas, and pervasive network infrastructures has positioned the metaverse as an emerging socio-technical framework with transformative potential. Within this context, agriculture—an essential foundation for food systems and long-term sustainability—remains in the early stages of engaging with such digital transformations, largely at a conceptual and exploratory level. This study offers a theoretical investigation into the integration of metaverse environments within agriculture, examining prospective benefits, associated challenges, and avenues for future inquiry. Rather than limiting its scope to technological applications, the paper develops a structured conceptual model that links real-world farming ecosystems with interactive virtual spaces designed for capacity building, informed decision-making, stakeholder collaboration, and policy facilitation. The proposed perspective is aligned with the guiding principles of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), situating the discussion within broader developmental priorities. Additionally, the study highlights critical considerations related to ethics, equity, data governance, environmental impact, and disparities in digital access. By synthesizing insights from recent academic discourse, this paper introduces an initial conceptual foundation intended to guide subsequent research efforts, policymaking initiatives, and the responsible advancement of digital innovations in agriculture