Proposal for a Chatbot Prototype in the Plant Health Department of Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture

Abstract

Around the world, governments are implementing services combined with artificial intelligence to improve service to the population. The main objective of this study is to develop a chatbot prototype able to answer the most frequently asked questions about the Plant Health department of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA), reducing the workload dedicated to responding emails and phone calls, in addition to providing face-to-face care. Initially, investigations were made on the concepts of artificial intelligence, the different types of chatbots and the tools needed to build the prototype. Subsequently, an analysis of the chosen tool and programming language was elaborated. After that, the development of the application and the configuration of the platforms began. Considering how a chatbot can spread information, including good practices about plant health and agriculture, this project can contribute to food security, increasing productivity and fighting against waste, helping to achieve UN SDG number 2 - zero hunger.