The Green Revolution in the 1960s led to India achieving self-sufficiency in food grain production. The use of modern methods of agriculture like HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides was revolutionary. Agriculture has gotten more advanced ever since. The introduction of the tractor, followed by new harvesting equipment, has proven to be boons. Irrigation and air seeding technology came in the picture, leading to higher yields. Farmers can utilize data and technology to improve the quality of food and keep themselves abreast of new methods of farming. Here are some technological advancements in agriculture:
1. Usage of mobile technology and cameras
Farmers use apps to keep a watch on their farm and employees. They also put up cameras around the farm. Livestock farmers are installing cameras in their barns and pastures that send images back to an office or home computer. This way they can keep track of the animals while they are away. Mobile technology is an easy way to modernize agriculture.
2. Crop Sensors
Crop sensors are helpful in distributing fertilizers in a very efficient manner. They are able to sense how the crop is feeling and reduce the potential runoff into groundwater. Instead of manually making fertilizer for a field before you apply it, crop sensors tell application equipment how much to apply in real-time. Optical sensors are able to see how much fertilizer plants may need, based on the amount of light reflected back to the sensor.
3. DNA Testing of Soil
DNA testing has been at the forefront of medical research and testing for many years. Today, it is widely used in the agriculture industry. Farmers can use the insights to find out how healthy their soil is. Crop-growers can plan accordingly to invest more money in the processes more likely to bring a high crop yield. Additionally, farmers can use valuable information to take preventive measures to avoid crop loss.
4. Automated Irrigation
Irrigation is the crux of agriculture. Technology is making irrigation quicker and more ecologically conscious. Some companies are creating analytical systems focused on reducing water use by as much as a third. The soil monitoring software systems use moisture sensors in the field that connect to the Internet. The sensors will alert farmers, through an app, when their fields need water. This ensures plants get the right amount of water at the right time and eliminates over- or under-watering of plants.
5. Digital Produce Marketplaces
It’s hard to find something that you can’t purchase online in 2020, as digital marketplaces seem to run the world. The same concept is shaping up to be promising for those in the agriculture industry. Many companies are revolutionizing the agriculture world by connecting growers, buyers, and, consumers in one marketplace. They pair scientists and farmers to produce the best possible grain while preserving the environment. Buyers can work with these farmers to get high-quality ingredients at a fair price, delivered straight to their facilities.
Through these technological developments, consumers can enjoy healthy, sustainably grown food. It is projected that by 2050, there will be an estimated 50% increase in food demand. To reach this large goal, the agriculture industry has to keep advancing and reinventing.
