Agriculture Technology – Revolutionising the Food Industry

Agriculture technology is one of the far-reaching and dynamic areas of new-age technology redefining the farming sector. Its rapid growth has largely been prompted by the demand for more food to cater to the ever-growing world population. 

Therefore, the agricultural sector must increase its production efficiently and effectively, to keep up with this escalating demand.

Furthermore, the fast depleting and rampantly used natural resources have also raised the red flag and require immediate corrective and preventive measures. 

The Current Scenario

The conventional methods of farming have led to irresponsible use of natural resources like water and energy over the years. 

Coupled with this is a lack of awareness and training in good agricultural practices among the farmers. As a result, all these have added to the challenges faced by the sector.

Water wastage, overuse of fertilisers and pesticides are some of the challenges faced by traditional methods of farming. They eventually seep into the soil and water sources, causing irreparable damage to the ecosystem.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to conserve the resources and move towards a sustainable future.

Agriculture technology beckons the use of new and sophisticated techniques like robots, GPS, soil, weather and moisture mapping and  IoT (Internet of Things) etc. These help in making the sector more productive, efficient, profitable, safer and environment-friendly.

Agriculture technology has opened new vistas for the farming sector.

High-tech, powered machinery is taking over, and progressive techniques are being used to increase productivity. 

This sweeping change has led to an increase in the farm output,  and very important, the optimal utilisation of resources. 

Modern agricultural methods are vastly different from those used until a decade or so ago. 

Today, technological advancements are present in all aspects – from the use of new-age machines, moisture and temperature sensors, GPS technology, to the Internet of Things,  precision agriculture, robotic systems and many more. 

All these advanced techniques and machinery make the agro-industries more efficient, productive and environmentally friendly.

The significance of Agriculture Technology

• Helps in the optimal utilisation of water (by using new-age irrigation techniques like ‘Drip and Sprinkle Irrigation’). Also, in the effective usage of fertiliser, pesticides and other inputs. Consequently, it helps in the conservation of natural resources and minimal and effective use of pesticides.

• Keeps the nutrition value of the food intact and protects it from the harmful effects of overuse of pesticides. Furthermore, the efficient use of the resources also helps in keeping the food prices down.

• Helps in increasing crop productivity.

• The utilisation of safe and modern machinery leads to higher farmer/worker safety.

• Employing sophisticated and efficient techniques results in reducing the impact on the ecosystem. Which, in turn, makes moving toward a sustainable future, a viable option.

Here are Some New age Agricultural Technologies that are making waves

High-Tech Irrigation Techniques

Irrigation is most certainly among the most evolved areas of agriculture that uses technology to improve the efficiency of natural resources like water. 

New techniques like Drip and Sprinkler irrigation play a pivotal role in helping sustain the environment. Soil moisture sensors, weather and other field data’s availability on phones and computers, support the farmers to make informed irrigation control decisions.

Robotics

Robotic technologies enable dependable monitoring and management of natural resources like water and air quality. 

Therefore, its use results in more efficient and safer production of the crop. 

Additionally, it helps in lowering the price of the produce and aids in reducing the adverse effects on the environment.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Internet of Things connects the various devices being used on the field to monitor and measure the work done. 

Right from information on the soil moisture levels, water meters, weather stations to irrigation pumps, all data is accessible on smartphones. 

These inputs help in planning and quick decision making, on all sizes of farms, from small to the big. 

As more solution-centric devices develop, we will see even more significant benefits from IoT in agriculture in the future.

Technology is an integral part of our lives and is redefining every aspect of modern lives, including the farming sector. 

The high-tech technology currently being used in agriculture is making sure that what we eat today, reaches us faster. Also, is fresher, retains its nutritional value and is more cost-effective. 

Agricultural technology is revolutionising the food industry and will only become more cutting edge in the times to come.