Agricultural production is the backbone of food and nutrition demands in most developing countries, including India. However, lack of technology access is the main challenge that the true potential of agriculture has yet to be realized. Embracing smart farming technologies such as precision farming, robotics and automation, digital resources etc., farming can be transformed into a profitable enterprise. 

Modern farming technology ensures steadier crop yields, minimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides and reducing the negative impact on the surrounding environment.  

Let us discuss in detail how modern farming technology is reshaping agriculture. 

1. GPS 

GPS or Global Positioning System is a space-based satellite navigation system that offers location-specific information at any point on or near Earth. When integrated with GPS, farming machines can adjust their position within the farmland and adapt their function to provide maximum efficiency at that location.  

Now tractors, when equipped with GPS and automatic steering systems, can drive themselves on the farm and place seeds at more accurate locations, reducing waste. Moreover, drones guided by GPS systems can perform various farming activities such as 3D mapping, crop spraying and livestock monitoring.

2. Digital Resources

With the advent of smartphones and increased Internet connectivity, there is a rise in the number of farmers accessing digital resources. Moreover, AgriTech startup technology offers innovative farming solutions to help farmers opt for smart farming practices. A recent study shows over 1300 such agriculture startups leverage the power of AI and ML to bring innovation to farming. These digital resources help farmers to know the latest farming insights, access machines and data, and connect with traders and exporters to boost efficiency and acquire profitability. 

3. Precision farming

Precision farming is a farming technology that employs cutting-edge technologies like sensors, GPS, drones, and satellite imagery to monitor crops with enhanced accuracy. Precision farming empowers farmers as they can make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization and pest control based on real-time data on soil health, humidity, moisture level and temperature. This targeted approach is beneficial in several ways. For instance, farmers can reduce resource use, enhance crop yields, and minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, by optimizing resource usage, farmers can save money and effort. Thereby, farming becomes a profitable enterprise with precision farming.

4. Automation and Robotics

Automation and robotics have revolutionized industries worldwide. And the agricultural industry is not devoid of automation and robotics technology. Robots and automated systems replace manual tasks such as planting crops, harvesting, sorting, and packing. The advantage of deploying robots in farming is they work tirelessly at a faster pace, with greater accuracy. As a result, they streamline extensive tasks, boosting farm productivity and efficiency.

5. Vertical farming and Hydroponics

Vertical farming and Hydroponics are the upcoming farming techniques that overcome the challenges of limited arable land and growing demand. In vertical farming, crops are cultivated vertically in stacked layers with the desired environmental conditions using artificial lighting and precise climate control. This technique minimizes land usage.  

On the other hand, the hydroponics technique grows plants in nutrient-rich water solutions to save soil usage. As a result, both these techniques provide higher crop yields with limited resources. In addition, these techniques present a possibility to practice farming in urban areas closer to consumers. That way, transportation costs will be significantly reduced.

6. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) allows various machines and sensors on the farm to connect and exchange data. With this connectivity, farmers can remotely monitor farms and control farm operations like livestock management, climate control in greenhouses etc. Real-time data and analytics help farmers make informed decisions, optimize resource usage, and mitigate potential risks. IoT devices provide alerts when any specific requirement should be looked into. For instance, farmers receive alerts when machinery needs maintenance or soil moisture levels are low. Accordingly, farmers can take the expected action on time and eliminate potential damage.

7. Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

By analyzing historical and real-time data, farmers get insights into trends and patterns in agriculture. They can use this information to make informed decisions, overcome risks and optimize farm management practices. Further, AI algorithms study the vast amount of data gathered from multiple sources and provide insights into market trends, help farmers know the optimal planting schedules, and improve overall farm management.  

Conclusion

Modern farming technology is reshaping agriculture by facilitating innovative techniques to optimize resource utilization, boost productivity and promote sustainability. Integrating modern technology into agriculture becomes inevitable to tackle the prevalent food security and related challenges. By accessing smart farming technologies such as GPS, sensors, IoT, etc., farmers can enhance farm management practices, maximize crop yields, and meet the growing global demand for food. Thus, it is safe to say that agriculture technology is going to transform agribusinesses and our lives for the better.