We, as humans, need food to survive. For that, despite living in a digital age, we turn to an age-old practice to meet our food requirements – agriculture. Given how dependent we are on this practice, it’s easy to see why the global agriculture market never seems to slow down.
According to a report by Research and Markets, the global agriculture market is worth over $12,541 billion. By 2026, this market is expected to cross the $18,814 billion valuation. That’s a CAGR of 10.7 percent in less than five years.
Of course, just because we can’t eat technology to survive doesn’t mean we can’t use it to produce our food. As per Market Data Forecast, the global food and agriculture technology market is valued at around $500 billion. In the next few years, this market’s valuation will cross the $700 billion mark, and there’s a good reason for that.
Agro-technology is big right now, especially in developed countries where such technology is widely used to get better yields. In case you’re unaware of how this is happening, check out these five trends in agro tech that are helping farmers ensure better yield all the time.
1 Precision Farming and IoT
Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture, combines various technologies such as global positioning systems (GPS), sensors, and data analytics to optimize farming operations. This approach enables farmers to analyze soil conditions, monitor crop health, and apply inputs precisely, such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, based on real-time data.
The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) further enhances precision farming by providing continuous monitoring and control of farm equipment and processes.
By implementing precision farming techniques, farmers can achieve more efficient resource utilization, reduce waste, and increase productivity. They can tailor their interventions to specific areas of their fields that require attention, leading to improved crop health, minimized environmental impact, and ultimately, higher yields.
2 Automation and Robotics
Automation and robotics are revolutionizing the agricultural sector by reducing labor requirements, increasing efficiency, and improving productivity.
According to Forbes, automation, alongside AI, will help identify the major reasons for yield losses and can also help combat those losses leading to better yield. With the advent of autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotic systems, tasks such as planting, harvesting, and monitoring crops can be performed with precision and accuracy.
Autonomous tractors equipped with GPS and computer vision technology can navigate fields, plow, and sow seeds with minimal human intervention. Drones equipped with sensors and cameras can monitor crop health, detect pests or diseases, and even spray targeted areas with pesticides.
There are also drones equipped with precision-based laser technology to act as weed killers, something that’s become necessary given how chemical weed killers are all poisonous these days. If you need proof of that, look no further than the Roundup lawsuits.
According to TorHoerman Law, the weed killer and herbicide brand Roundup consists of the active ingredient Glyphosate. Because of this ingredient, Roundup exposure has been found to lead to an increased risk of cancer.
Victims of this case are currently teaming up to find the best lawyer for a Roundup lawsuit. The goal is to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses they had to suffer because of the herbicide. Thanks to agro tech, we now have drones with lasers to get rid of weeds, so why settle for a chemical weed killer that gives you cancer?
4 Vertical Farming and Controlled Environment Agriculture
With the increasing global demand for fresh produce, the concept of vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) has gained significant attention. These innovative farming methods involve growing crops in vertically stacked layers or indoor environments, utilizing artificial lighting, temperature control, and hydroponic or aeroponic systems.
Vertical farming and CEA offer several advantages, including year-round production, reduced land requirements, higher crop densities, and improved resource efficiency. By precisely controlling environmental conditions such as light, humidity, and nutrient delivery, farmers can optimize plant growth and ensure consistent yields regardless of external factors.
Furthermore, vertical farming and CEA can be implemented in urban areas, allowing for local food production and reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions.
5 Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Biotechnology and genetic engineering have played a crucial role in improving crop yields by enhancing plant traits and resistance to diseases, pests, and adverse environmental conditions. Through techniques like gene editing and genetic modification, scientists can introduce specific traits into crops, enabling them to thrive in challenging environments and resist threats.
For example, drought-tolerant and disease-resistant crops have been developed to ensure better yield stability, particularly in regions prone to water scarcity or pest infestations. Additionally, genetically modified crops can possess traits that enhance nutritional value, resulting in healthier and more abundant food sources.
While the adoption of biotechnology and genetic engineering may raise ethical and environmental concerns, when employed responsibly and transparently, these technologies hold enormous potential for improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
With time, more innovative agro-tech solutions will embrace the market, and farmers will gladly adopt them, hoping to ensure even better yields. Looking at the tech discussed above, it’s already baffling to see just how far we’ve come in this field. It’ll be interesting to see what else awaits the agro-tech market in the future.