Agriculture is a major industry which not only creates millions of jobs throughout the globe, but also is vital to provide food to the 7.9 billionpeople. But, it's not without challenges. Population growth is on the rise as well as climate change are both problems that require the evolution of the landscape of agriculture. Sustainable farming and an increase in output are now priorities, and the advancements in technology in agriculture reflect this.

In the entire year of 2020, UKRI invested PS24 million in innovative agritech projects, which included vertical farming, robotics and much more. This article focuses on the advances in farming that have changed the landscape of agriculture.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation

The most prominent applications for artificial intelligence (AI) for agriculture can be found through self-driving machines such as seeders and tractors. They address two main issues labor shortages and time limitations. While machines concentrate on manual tasks, such as andchard administration, farms are with the freedom to concentrate on business, negotiating and other tasks. This is also a game changer in hectic times such as the harvest season , and lets farms maximize both production and efficiency.

AI in agriculture can also include remote sensors UAVs and satellites , which are capable of capturing a huge quantity of information, all day long. Apart from monitoring the health of plants as well as temperature, soil and humidity remote sensors are also being utilized to track the health and location of livestock and farm animals. The data collected can be utilized to aid in decision-making and to improve harvests.

Vertical Farming

As the population grows and urbanisation increases the land is becoming less that can be used for agriculture. In the last 40 years our planet has been deprived of one third of the arable area. A vertical agriculture and the technologies used to implement it could be the solution to this issue.

Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in layers that are stacked vertically or inclines, which will result in more crops being grown in smaller areas. Some systems don't even need soil, and are aeroponic or hydroponic. The use of greenhouses and artificial grow lighting instead of sunlight permits plants to thrive despite the conditions.

This permits food production in cities and urban areas and is a way to make the most of arable land too. Furthermore, it permits farmers to plant crops throughout the year even if they're suitable for the area and reduces the length of distribution chain. Vertical farms use less water and energy. When contrasted with the traditional farm, they require around 70% less water. The use of robotics for harvesting and planting also ensures that this doesn't require a lot of labour.

Drones

Drones can be found in a variety of agricultural uses as well as for pollination of crops, and in the automated harvesting. They can also be used for the application of insecticides on certain areas and to reduce exposure to chemicals to workers.

They are popularly known for collecting huge quantities of data, such as the height of plants and height, the level of water saturation, the presence of weeds as well as crop biomass and much more. In addition to providing precise data, drones provide data at a higher resolution (as when compared with satellites) and are simple to operate.

High-Flex Tyres

Larger equipment for farming can be more efficient and help farmers. However, the weight can cause soil compaction, which can have a negative impact on yields of crops. High-flex tyres, for instance, can offer a solution to this problem by spreading the weight over a greater area. High-flex tyres today like flexion extremely high flexion and radial plus tyres are able to be operated at 20-40 percentage less pressure than conventional tyres, and could help solve this problem.

RFID Technology

RFID (FRID) technology was initially employed to detect animals, but it is expanding to crops. The technology makes use of radio waves to record details about objects. This can include information like the date, time and place as well as location. RFID capable of being able store up to 2KB worth of data. It is used to track the harvesting process, storage and packaging. It also makes the crops more easily traceable.

Minichromosomal Technology

Minichromosomes are cells that contain small amounts of genetic material, but contain many information. Genetic engineers have employed these to improve or increase the traits of the crop, including resistance to droughts as well as nutritional benefits. However, despite their ability to enhance traits in plants, the genes remain identical. This makes the technology distinct from other foods that have been genetically modified and makes it more probable to get the approval of both consumers as well as regulators.

Blockchain Technology

Although it is primarily known for its involvement in cryptocurrencies Blockchain technology can be found in many applications in different industries, such as agriculture. Through the use of blockchain it is possible for the agriculture industry to monitor crops from harvesting until delivery, which includes crops belonging to particular farmers. With the help of a precise ledger, everything is monitored in real-time. Safety recalls, fraud on food and food shortages are easily rectified.

Due to blockchain's decentralised structure the supply chain is transparent and easily traceable. When there is a foodborne illness or spread of contamination could be tracked easily to the origin. Ownership of food can be confirmed at any time. Food travel will be safer as they will track in real-time. Blockchain technology will also assist in to regulate prices in the market by creating more complete image of supply and demand. In addition, it can be utilized for resource management which includes keeping track of sensors, equipment machinery, equipment, and much more.

Biologicals

With the increasing demand for green agriculture and sustainable farming practices farmers are searching for eco-friendly and less costly techniques and solutions. Biodiversity is an integral component of this because they encompass everything from fertilisers and seed treatments, to Biofungicides as well as biopesticides.

Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture lets farmers manage every aspect of their farm, including soil moisture levels and soil conditions, microclimates as well as pest stress and much more. Through the improvement of planting and growing methods and making sure that the soil and the crops are having the right conditions precision agriculture can ensure optimal health, which leads to more efficient production and greater yields.

Agricultural Innovation and Farming Jobs

With the amount of innovation that is happening in the field of agriculture, it's not hard to see why jobs in agriculture are so sought-after. If you're considering an agricultural career then look no further than agricultural Recruitment Specialists. If you're seeking an opportunity or discuss your options for a career Contact us by clicking here.