How effectively can technology be used in the agriculture sector?
Today, the agriculture sector is under pressure as the world's population grows. At the same time, the industry is being asked to produce more food with fewer resources in a way that doesn't damage the environment. At least, farmers worldwide need to feed 9.1 billion people in 2050. It's a big challenge, but one that can be met with the help of technology.
It's nothing new for farmers to use technology to improve their crops and livestock. For example, in England in 1840, agricultural power was driven by steam-powered tractors, and in America in 1889, a petrol-engine-powered tractor was developed. In the years that followed, people continued to develop technology to simplify and speed up agricultural processes. So how effectively can technology be used these days in the agriculture sector?
Technology can help farmers decline CO2
One of the most significant environmental issues is pollution or Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Meanwhile, the plant can be a great contributor to carbon emissions. CO2 produces when plants die. Some CO2 is released into the air, and some are trapped underground. However, farmers can reduce agriculture carbon emissions using proper soil carbon capture and sustainable farming practices.
In addition to improving soil health, cover crops can also help to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it in the soil as organic matter. This process, known as carbon sequestration, can help mitigate climate change's impacts by reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
While cover crops can be beneficial on a small scale, their impact on carbon sequestration and soil health can be even more remarkable when implemented on a larger scale, such as at the farm or landscape level. By incorporating cover crops into their farming practices, farmers can improve their land's health and productivity and contribute to global efforts to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.
AgriTech accesses the unreachable areas
Large-scale farms—managed by companies or the government—have logistical challenges, including planting and harvesting. In addition, many large-scale farms are located in remote areas with difficult access, requiring special transportation to reach them.
To overcome these challenges, large-scale farms can rely on advanced technologies and systems to streamline planting and harvesting. They can use automation, precision agriculture, precision irrigation, and AgriTech to optimize farming practices and increase efficiency. Advances such as GPS-driven tractors, precision irrigation systems, and automated crop harvest have reduced time and labor while increasing yields.
Reduce fertilizer and water excess
As we have experienced, the food crisis of 2022 is caused by climate change and the Russia-Ukraine war. Several countries that rely on imports from these two countries will experience significant impacts, such as scarcity of raw materials and rising import prices. Fertilizer prices are predicted to increase by 13 percent, threatening crop production in 2022-2023.
Moreover, in conventional farming, many farmers apply chemicals indiscriminately. It can lead to a decline in soil fertility and contamination of the environment. By contrast, precision agriculture uses technology to allow farmers to make more informed decisions about when and where to apply fertilizers, leading to more targeted and efficient use.
Modern farming technologies are at the next level in 2023
To meet sustainability challenges in agriculture, it's time for farmers turning to technology. At the same time, it's difficult to predict which technologies will be used in farming by 2023, as technology is constantly evolving and innovations are being developed. However, some emerging technologies will likely be adopted by farmers in the coming years, from drones to AI to genetic engineering.
Drones
Indonesia, a country in Southeast Asia that produces agricultural products, has actively campaigned for drone and IT-based digital agriculture. Indonesia's drone demand has been relatively high in the last six years. Yet, the total market for all sectors—not just agriculture—has increased revenue by 7.57% to $52 million in 2020 from $48.34 million in 2019. Globally, the agriculture drone market is projected to reach $5.89 billion by 2030.
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
AI and machine learning algorithms can analyze large amounts of data collected from sensors and drones to optimize farming practices. These technologies allow farmers to predict when pests will appear, identify areas of a field that may be underperforming, and much more.
Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering is a way to alter living things' genes to give them new traits or characteristics. Farmers can use genetic engineering techniques to create crops more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses such as drought or extreme temperatures.
Conclusion
The agricultural sector has many potential applications that could improve efficiency and yields. Large-scale and small-scale farms assisted by stakeholders can use automation tools such as drones and IoT to streamline planting and harvesting. By investing in new technologies, the agricultural sector can overcome some of its challenges and increase productivity.
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