Before starting with the topic, I would like to highlight the need for using Modern Technology in the Agricultural sector. Our population is growing, which means that we would need more food to feed them. Here’s where modern technology comes into the picture. We need smart work here along with hard work. So, Modern technology helps to produce quality food in large quantities and reduce wastage. To feed our current and future generations we need to enhance agricultural productivity using modern technology.
Quick Answer: How Modern Technology Enhances Agricultural Productivity
Modern technology enhances agricultural productivity by providing farmers with tools and systems to optimize their operations. For example, precision farming technologies such as GPS-guided equipment, drones, and sensors enable precise application of fertilizers, water, and pesticides, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. Additionally, data analytics and machine learning algorithms help farmers make informed decisions, enhancing crop management, predicting yield, and optimizing resource allocation.
Importance of Agricultural Productivity
For some countries, agriculture is the major source of income and their economic growth is dependent on it. This is especially the case for developing and least developed countries. Agricultural productivity is not just important for producing more food, it is also important to compete in the agricultural market.
Those who can use modern technology to increase their agricultural productivity will stay ahead in the agricultural market. And, those who don’t use modern technology will experience slower agricultural growth, thus forcing them to exit the market.
With agricultural productivity, farmers can use resources efficiently. They become more productive and the value of their agricultural products increases. This results in an increase in their demand and supply and brings more profits to the farmers.
We also experience the impact of agricultural productivity in our daily lives. If food products are made available easily, then their prices are reduced in the market. We will have a stable food supply and can save more to purchase other products. With this, we can say that Agricultural productivity will make farmers more self-sufficient.
Modern Technology and Agricultural Productivity
We know that based on the climate conditions in the region, we select which crops to grow. Because of this, some regions can only grow specific crops and they have to import other crops. This made them dependent on others and the products were made available to them at a higher price. With modern technology, this problem is taken care of.
Now, let’s look at how modern technology is used to enhance agricultural productivity.
Greenhouse Technology
Greenhouse agricultural technology is used to produce quality crops. It protects them from pests and environmental stresses. This technology helps to control the temperature, ventilation, light, and humidity to give crops a favorable condition for growing. The nutritional value of crops grown using green technology is high. Regions that have extreme weather conditions can make the most of this technology and grow crops at a low cost.
Along with regions of extreme weather conditions, regions with dynamic weather conditions are using this technology. It has helped them to protect their crops from the frequent changes in the weather. Previously, we had to depend on the season to grow crops. But now, with greenhouse technology, we can control the environment and grow crops throughout the year.
Automation Technology
We have robots for carrying out repetitive activities on farms. Then, we have technology like GPS and detection systems to control automated machines. Automation technology is developing machines that do not need humans to perform activities. Some of these robots are developed to carry out basic farm activities while others are developed to carry out specific farm activities such as seeding, watering, and harvesting.
We have automated irrigation systems. These systems use sensors and detect the watering needs of the crops. They decide the quantity of water and the timing of watering crops. We also have drones that collect field data in the form of images and videos. These drones keep an eye on the crops that are getting damaged and inform the farmer. The farmers can then take appropriate measures to protect the crops.
Blockchain Technology
Using Blockchain technology in the Agricultural sector, we are preventing food wastage. The food supply chain has become more transparent. Have you ever wondered where exactly the food products that you consume come from? You no longer have to keep wondering.
By using this technology, now, you can track the origin of the food that you receive. This helps to prevent fraud related to food. This technology has helped the farmers to collect and store essential data such as the quality of crop and the condition of weather in which it was grown.
With Blockchain technology, information such as farm origin, transportation, food processing, storage temperature, and many more are easily available. This helps to investigate cases of food fraud. It also helps us to understand the supply chain better. When crops are affected by extreme weather conditions, their prices increase in the market. This technology allows the consumers to understand the factors that influence food prices.
Artificial Intelligence Technology
Artificial intelligence technology allows the farmer to analyze the weather. Using weather forecasting, farmers study the climate conditions and accordingly decide when to sow the seed. It also helps to study soil to choose the right pesticide to use for the crops.
It collects data that are then used to make farming decisions. Farming decisions like water management, harvesting, selection of crops to grow, and nutrition management are taken by analyzing the data using Artificial Intelligence.
It is not just helping the farmers to protect the crops but also helping them to increase agricultural productivity. How often do you hear people around you talking about working on the farm? My guess is very little, or maybe you haven’t heard it yet.
We have seen a decline in the number of people entering the agricultural sector. Most of them are moving towards city life. AI helps us deal with this problem by developing bots that are more productive than human laborers.
Top 5 Emerging Technologies in Agriculture
Agriculture might not seem like an industry that is beholden to technological innovation, but that is not true. If we see the latest reports from Statista, we will find out that the digital agriculture market is valued at $2.7 billion. Thus, it is important to look at the emerging technologies that are being adopted in agriculture. For context, you can watch the video below that explains how China transferred its agriculture by innovating the process.
1. Use of sensors
Farmers have started using sensors for soil and crops to have more accurate data that can be used to map out their future planting sessions. The integration of data in agriculture has had a positive impact as it gives farmers more control. Today, farmers can learn about the amount of nitrogen in the soil, the water quality, the yield per session, and much more.
2. Introduction to Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology has been around for some time, and it may come as a surprise, but the agriculture industry is the perfect example of how we can use it for a better tomorrow. It is primarily used to increase crop yield. Nanotechnology is used to make plants healthy. Nanoparticles are also used as pesticides or fertilizers.
3. GPS Technology
Now, GPS is also used in agriculture extensively. It allows farmers to be active, even in areas with poor visibility. By using GPS, farmers are able to remotely monitor the crop’s progress, even during heavy rainfall, fog, or dust.
4. Precision Agriculture
Precision agriculture is basically resource management that collects, analyzes, and evaluates relevant data and offers insight to help farmers. The farmers can then use the data to optimize productivity by increasing soil quality. Here, agriculture uses big data for management decisions. The future for precision agriculture is huge, as projected by Grand View Research, which estimates that the industry will hit $16.35 billion by 2028.
5. Laser Scarecrows
And yes, how can we forget scarecrows? Tech has allowed farmers to use laser-enhanced scarecrows for bird and rodent control. Early testing results predict that such scarecrows can reduce bird and rodent infestations by 70 to 90%.
The following table explores the various technologies used in farming and the agriculture industry.
| Technology | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| IoT | Devices like sensors are used to educate farmers more about the soil and yield. | Any farming decision is driven by data to increase productivity. |
| Nanotechnology | Introducing modifications to crops that can fight against issues like drought and other natural causes | Enhances crop yield and quality of the product, healthier crops. |
| GPS | Uses GPS to allow farmers to control crop conditions in severe conditions. | Better visibility and control over production |
| Precision Agriculture | It uses big data to collect, analyze, and manage data for better crop management. | Enhances productivity, improves soil quality, and increases efficiency |
| Hydroponics and Aquaponics | Negates the use of soil by introducing nutrient-rich water | Promotes agriculture in an environment that doesn’t have abundant soil resources. |
Wrapping Up
Now more than ever we can produce a large quantity of quality food. Thanks to modern technology, we are becoming more self-sufficient. The agricultural sector is so important that it impacts the lives of the people right from the individual level to the global level.
This is why it should be our priority to enhance agricultural productivity. We can do this easily by using modern technology. Modern technology has opened up ways for us to produce food for our growing population and at the same time improve the quality of the food.