Deep Learning–Based Enhanced Optimization for Automated Rice Plant Disease Detection and Classification

Ensuring global food security necessitates innovative solutions for early detection and precise classification of diseases in staple crops like rice. This study introduces an advanced approach for automated rice plant disease detection and classification by integrating deep learning and metaheuristic optimization techniques. Specifically, a deep dense neural network (DNN) is employed for its capacity to capture intricate patterns in images and extreme learning machine (ELM) for classification. To enhance the optimization process, an innovative variant of the Shuffled Shepherd Optimization (SSO) algorithm, known as Enhanced Artificial Shuffled Shepherd Optimization (EASSO), is introduced. EASSO incorporates adaptive strategies and enhanced exploration–exploitation mechanisms, enabling more efficient convergence during the training of the DNN. The proposed system operates by processing high-resolution images of rice plants through the DNN, extracting nuanced features indicative of various diseases, including blast, bacterial blight, and brown spots. EASSO optimizes the DNN's parameters, maximizing its accuracy in disease classification. The synergy between DNN and EASSO ensures a robust and adaptive model capable of handling diverse and complex disease patterns. This automated approach significantly reduces the reliance on manual inspection, enabling timely intervention and improving overall agricultural productivity. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the DNN-EASSO framework over traditional methods, showcasing higher accuracy rates and faster convergence. The incorporation of Enhanced Artificial Shuffled Shepherd Optimization enhances the precision and reliability of disease classification, making this integrated system a valuable tool for farmers and agricultural practitioners. This research represents a significant stride toward sustainable agriculture, showcasing the potential of advanced technologies in ensuring food security worldwide.