Agriculture Technology (AgTech) has exponentially changed the agriculture sector. Recent studies have shown that the industry’s output is expected to increase by 60% in 2030. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) predicts that global food production needs to rise by 70 percent to feed an additional 2.3 billion people by 2050. Here are some technologies that must be embraced by farmers and food producers to ensure that the future of farm to fork is secure.
Drones and Crop Monitoring
Drones have been integrated into many agriculture practices. There has been a wide use of drones for crop monitoring in the U.S. as a means to combat drought and other harmful environmental factors. Drones can also produce 3D imaging to predict soil quality through analysis and planning seed planting patterns.
Farming and Robotics
Robots and artificial intelligence have been prevalent in several industries, and agriculture is no different. The use of robotics in agriculture will result in faster and higher yields, along with the improvement of productivity. Spraying and weeding robots, plant-transplanting robots and harvesting robots are all predicted to change the course of traditional farming.
Livestock Monitoring
Livestock sensors will allow farmers to monitor their animals easily, as the sensors will notify the farmers of when and where their livestock are roaming. The data received through sensors will allow farmers to track the health of their livestock to identify sick animals and separate them early from the herd. The live tracking of animals will also save time and labor cost due to the efficiency.
Remote Weather Monitoring
The unpredictability of weather is a massive challenge for farmers. Rainfall, humidity, temperature, moisture and chemical composition are elements that must be monitored throughout the year to gain a larger harvest. Customizable sensors are now available to farmers so they can monitor their crops and weather conditions remotely. This will eliminate the farmer’s need to be physically present at their farms.
RFID Sensors and Tracking
RFID sensors can be used to track food from the field to the store after the crops are harvested. Consumers will be able to follow the entire end-to-end process from farm to fork. This tracking system could increase consumer trust in manufacturers and reduce their apprehension regarding allergens and health requirements.