Agriculture has increased the GDP of many developing countries around the world, especially in Africa, which has the highest labour force. Agriculture is Africa’s largest economic sector contributor, with about 15 per cent of its combined GDP coming from agriculture. This is largely possible because of the use of modern-day farming practices, and the adaptation of state-of-the-art technology in agriculture.
Technology in agriculture facilitates data collection and analysis. These tools and devices aid farmers with monitoring the activity of pests and weeds, ensuring that decisive action is taken to quell invasion. They also help with eliminating the use of pesticides in farming. Pesticides are often full of toxins, and thus harmful to plants and the livestock. The adoption of such technological devices ensures productivity and ultimately translates to profit for farmers. Another benefit of technology in agriculture is that it enhances crop management, and the effective monitoring of livestock. A good example is the smart collar tags which help in determining the location of the livestock and monitoring their health. The device aids with the early detection and isolation of sick livestock. Technology also helps farmers monitor the nutritional needs of their livestock as well as control the general activities of their farms.
The use of technological devices such as drones in modern day agricultural practices ensures that farmers are regularly updated about the status and condition of their crops. Methods like precision farming – a process involving targeted utilization of farming materials with the aid of technological tools, ensures the adequate use of products to guide the farming process. This involves taking precautionary measures to prevent financial loss that could potentially ground the business.
Farming has many challenges. Inclement weather, for example, can hamper the efforts of farmers. However, by adopting the right technological tools, farmers can manage threats and prevent unnecessary losses.
Another benefit of technology in agriculture is the concept of plant irrigation. This can now be successfully done using sensors that provide necessary information to farmers. The sensors update farmers about the condition of the soil and amount of water available for use.
Cooling storage facilities are a necessity for modern-day farmers. They ensure that harvested crops remain fresh until they get to the markets. Installing them in farms and produce delivery trucks facilitates this.
Tech-controlled greenhouses are another benefit of technology in agriculture. They ensure that moisture and temperature levels are monitored and controlled by farmers wherever they are. Security cameras, on the other hand, help farmers monitor and control the activity of a farm to avoid potential losses and threats.
According to the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture – some of the benefits of technology in agriculture include higher crop yield, an increase in the safety of workers, reduction in the use of pesticides, water, and fertilizers, which ultimately keeps food prices low. The adoption of sophisticated technological features in agriculture is useful, efficient, profitable, and environmentally friendly.
Other benefits of technology in agriculture include the adaptation of e-commerce systems by farmers to conveniently sell products and make purchases to improve farming operations.
Technology has proven to be far more beneficial to agriculture, and has impacted modern day farming on a grand scale. Farmers around the world can ensure that their business ventures are profitable and can continue to provide communities with essential produce.
Gladys Christian | Staff Writer
