Newest technologies in Agriculture.
Farmers can now put in less physical effort, and often even less investment, while still seeing higher agricultural yields at the end of the year, thanks to technological advancements. One acre that originally yielded 125 bushels of maize, for example, could be studied, irrigated, and fertilized in such a way that it now yields 150 bushels or more. Producing everything from animals to veggies has become a data-driven, scientific process with significant improvements.
Fertilizers, insecticides, seed technology, and other aspects of agriculture are all affected by technology. Pest resistance and greater crop yields have been achieved thanks to biotechnology and genetic engineering. Tilling, harvesting, and physical work have all become more efficient as a result of mechanization. Those technologies are:
1. Farm automation and robotics:
Time constraints and labor shortages are both solved by automated farming equipment such as a self-driven tractor or seeder.
These machines can work nonstop around the clock to produce larger yields in less time. They're ideal for orchard management since they free up farmers' time to focus on more vital tasks, such as strategizing ways to improve the quality of their crops, rather than on menial and laborious labor.
2. GIS software and GPS agriculture
While farmers have long relied on GPS technology for everything from field mapping to farm planning, some of the most recent tractors are capable of operating totally autonomously. Because of this improvement, worker hours are dramatically decreased, fields are tended to faster and more efficiently, and the profit margin can increase. Because fields are based on location, GIS software becomes a very important tool for precision farming. Farmers can use GIS software to map current and future changes in precipitation, temperature, crop yields, plant health, and other variables. It also allows farmers to use GPS-based treatments in connection with smart machinery to optimize fertilizer and pesticide application; because they don't have to treat the entire field but simply treat certain regions, they can save money, effort, and time.
3. Harvest Quality Vision- HQV
Is a new technology that eliminates the need for manual checks during the picking of fruits and vegetables. HQV uses automated scanners to capture and estimate crop quality and quantity. Because of the large volume of apples and other fruit picked at once, most fruit is not evaluated before being stored. When produce is graded with a camera, it may be better sorted and managed without being damaged by human or machine treatment.
When variations such as infections, flaws, or quantity deficits occur, the software generates notifications so that producers can change their course of action early in the harvesting process. HQV aids farmers in producing more consistent, higher-quality crops, which enhances farm revenue. This technology is now only available through Crop tracker for apple grading and sorting, but plans to expand to other crop types are in the works.
4. Data from the Sky – Drones
Farmers can use drones to precisely quantify crop biomass, plant height, weed presence, and water saturation on specific field sections. In comparison to satellites, they provide better and more accurate data with higher resolution. They deliver crucial information even faster than scouts when they are managed locally. Drones are also regarded as unequaled allies in the fight against insects; the invasion is avoided by spraying pesticides on the hazardous areas with drones, all while reducing the risk of chemical poisoning from direct contact.
Even though drones are simple to operate and can capture significant amounts of data in a short amount of time, there are still obstacles when employing them regularly because they are not inexpensive. Drones are nearly useless when mapping or monitoring huge areas, therefore satellite monitoring among already mapped areas, where specific zones need to be cross-checked, is a better complement to the technology.
5. Satellite-Derived Data
With satellite data in operation, predicting yields and doing near-real-time field monitoring to detect a variety of risks has never been easier.
The sensors can produce imagery in a variety of spectrums, enabling the use of a variety of spectral indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The NDVI method can be used to detect vegetation content, the number of wilting plants, and general plant health. The Canopy Chlorophyll Content Index (CCCI) is the next tool that aids in fertilizer application. The Nitrogen concentration is then detected using the Normalized Difference RedEdge (NDRE).
Conclusion
By 2050, the world's population is expected to reach around 9 billion people. The problem is figuring out how to create enough food to feed it. Food wastage in production and distribution, as well as the problem of lowering agricultural area, are having a big influence on the world. The only road to a food-secure future is for technology to play a larger role in tackling these concerns. Technology can help governments save foreign exchange, increase productivity, and improve the general standard of living for farming communities. India has a long way to go in terms of technology-assisted adoption of modern farming practices. The pace is modest, and pioneering efforts are needed to educate farmers about the advantages of technology. The challenge of overcoming the constraints of antiquated farming practices and medieval attitudes is necessary for a brighter tomorrow. Agriculture technology can transform Africa's economy.