How has technology changed farming?
With technology becoming increasingly advanced every day, it’s no surprise that its presence is also being felt in the farming industry. Farming methods have changed drastically over the years; thanks to advancements in technology, farmers are now able to produce more food with less effort.
As reported by Globe Newswire, the global smart agriculture market is expected to reach $19,625 million by 2027.
Advancements in automation and data analysis have made it possible for farmers to be more efficient than ever before, bringing down the cost of food production. There is no doubt that smart agriculture solutions have positively impacted the agriculture industry as a whole.
In this blog post, we’ll look at how technology is changing farming and impacting the agricultural industry.
7 ways technology has transformed the farming industry
Undoubtedly, technology has had a major impact on the farming industry, transforming the way farmers grow crops and raise livestock. Here are seven ways that technology is changing farming:
1. GPS-driven precision farming
As per Statista, the global market size of precision agriculture is expected to reach approximately $12 billion by 2026. Undoubtedly, precision farming technology is rapidly changing agriculture’s face. Using GPS-guided equipment, farmers can now plant and harvest crops with unprecedented accuracy. This allows them to optimize yields and reduce inputs like water and fertilizer. As a result, precision farming technology is helping increase profits and decrease environmental impact.
In addition, using precision farming techniques provides new opportunities for small-scale farmers to compete in the global marketplace. As modern agriculture technology continues to evolve, precision farming will likely have an even greater impact on the agricultural industry. Moreover, various companies are now offering digital transformation consulting services to help the farming industry fully unlock the potential of precision farming.
2. Big data and analytics
Farming has always been a data-driven profession, but the rise of big data and analytics has changed the way farmers operate. In the past, farmers had to rely on their own experience and instinct to make decisions about planting, crop rotation, and irrigation.
Today, with the help of modern agriculture technology, they can use data from weather reports, satellite images, and sensors to make more informed decisions. This data can help farmers predict when a drought will occur, choose the best time to plant their crops, and determine which fields need more water. As a result, big data and analytics have made technology in farming more efficient and productive. Moreover, various agricultural software development services can help businesses develop innovative software solutions that can further improve efficiency.
3. AI-based drones
The farming sector has transformed in recent years, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence in agriculture. Farmers are now analyzing the importance of technology in farming that leverage AI to improve yields and efficiency. As per a report by Facts & Factors, the global agricultural robots and drones market is forecasted to reach $14,120.03 million by 2028.
AI-based drones are used for crop mapping, yield analysis, and herbicide application, saving farmers a lot of time and money. These drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras that can capture images of crops. This data is then analyzed by AI algorithms to detect problems such as pests, disease, and nutrient deficiencies.
The information gathered by the drones can then be used to make decisions about irrigation, planting, and crop care. As artificial intelligence in agriculture advances, innovative applications will likely emerge in the farming sector.
4. IoT in agriculture
The use of IoT has changed farming in several ways. Perhaps most significantly, it has made it possible to target specific pests with greater precision. In the past, farmers would often have to spray large areas of land to ensure that all potential pests were destroyed.
However, IoT sensors can now be used to detect the presence of specific pests, and this information can be used to target treatments more effectively. As a result, farmers can use fewer pesticides while maintaining high crop yields.
In addition, the role of IoT in agriculture has also made it possible to monitor the environment more closely and make changes in real-time to create optimal growing conditions. This has led to increased efficiency and productivity on farms of all sizes.
5. Blockchain
Blockchain technology in farming industry has a lot of benefits, from tracking food safety to supply chain management. As reported by Markets And Markets, the global blockchain in agriculture and food supply chain market size is estimated to reach $948 million by 2025.
The use of blockchain in agriculture can help increase transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. This is important for ensuring food safety, as well as for tracking the origins of products. Moreover, blockchain can help to improve efficiency by streamlining supply chain management.
Using blockchain in agriculture, farmers and other stakeholders can more easily track the movement of goods from farm to table. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, it is likely to have an even bigger impact of technology on farming. And already, it is changing the way that agriculture does its business.
6. Livestock farming technology
Over the past century, there have been dramatic changes in how livestock is raised. In the early days of farming, animals were allowed to roam freely, grazing on whatever grasses or other plants were available. This led to a lot of variation in the quality of the meat and dairy products that were produced, and it was difficult to predict how much food would be available from one season to the next.
Today, however, modern technology in farming has made it possible to raise livestock in a more controlled environment. Animals are often confined to stables, and their diet is carefully monitored to ensure they get the necessary nutrients. This has resulted in a more consistent product for consumers and more efficient use of resources for farmers.
7. Farming automation
Farming has changed immensely over the past few decades, thanks to smart agriculture solutions. Machines have taken on many tasks that used to be done by hand, from plowing fields to harvesting crops. As a result, farms have become more efficient and productive.
Farming automation has also helped reduce the need for labor, making it possible for farmers to do more work with less. In some cases, robotic farming has even made it possible for farmers to operate without human workers. While there are still many challenges to overcome, it is clear that automation has had a profound impact on agriculture technology and will continue to shape the industry in the years to come.
Closing thoughts
While it is evident that technology has transformed the farming industry, its role in the future of agriculture technology remains to be seen. However, there is no doubt that technology in farming industry has changed in several ways, and it is likely to continue to do so in the years to come. These agriculture technologies have allowed farmers to increase yields, reduce inputs costs, and improve environmental outcomes. As the world population continues to grow, it is clear that technology will play an increasingly important role in meeting the demand for food.
