As industries switch from survival mode to figuring out how to function while the pandemic persists, the trend of replacing humans with technology may accelerate in the coming months.
However, this is not the case in the agricultural business. Agricultural technology, often known as agtech refers to the use of technological innovations in agriculture.
This implies that Agtech isn't here to replace humans, but to make farming easier by increasing production, efficiency, and profitability.
Is Agritech Adoption an Issue?
Despite the pandemic expanding adoption of technology in the industry, there is clearly resistance among farmers and other players to adopt and accept technology in existing procedures.
Poor IT infrastructure, lack of awareness and trust in technology, as well as a fear of being displaced by technology, are all major causes of technophobia in India.
To make the most of Agritech, farmers and all other players in the agricultural ecosystem must understand that 'technology is a friend, not a foe.'
Farmer skills and experience, when combined with technology, can result in improved yields and profitability. Agritech can assist in addressing pain points at each step of the end to end agricultural lifecycle.
Here are some of the Agritech use cases that have the potential to alter the agricultural landscape.
Seed quality and soil health
Agritech can aid in the improvement of overall soil quality. Using technology such as infrared spectroscopy and unmanned aerial vehicles or drones in conjunction with analytical models, researchers may gain a better knowledge of soil fertility, type, suitability, organic matter, and soil pH levels.
Seeds are often purchased based on farmer judgment and word of mouth by sellers. Non-invasive seed technologies, on the other hand, can help farmers accurately determine seed quality and develop enhanced seeds that can withstand challenges such as drought (lack of available water), salinity (saltier soil), pests, illnesses etc.
Agritech will help farmers make more informed decisions about soil and crop combinations. Ultimately, transparency and food quality will increase, which will benefit end consumers as well as give higher returns to farmers.
Climate Change
Climate change creates unpredictable weather and atmospheric conditions, making it harder to rely entirely on traditional agricultural knowledge. This affects crops adversely and ultimately, farmers are the ones to bear the losses.
Technologies can help farmers by analyzing the weather situation in advance, and offer right advice for cultivation of crops which are flexible to climate changes. Moreover, technology enables crops to mature early, reducing farmers' exposure to the risk of extreme weather events.
The agricultural industry also has a negative impact on climate change since it contributes to annual greenhouse gas emissions. Agritech can help reduce the demand for pesticides, hence lowering carbon emissions.
Data Technology's Power
Data and patterns are everywhere, and when used correctly, they can achieve wonders. Overcoming present agricultural issues will open up new avenues for advancement and innovation.
AI backed data models may be used to innovate and forecast patterns that will permanently transform the face of agriculture. Data centers can help to connect the agricultural environment, which is now scattered.
To mention a few, big data can provide precise insights into how different portions of their land behave over the seasons, the granular effectiveness of their unique farming practices, and where environmental impact might be reduced.
Food security & quality
Agtech has the potential to address global food security and wastage issues. Every year, over 67 million tonnes of food were wasted in India. The majority of this is due to inadequate quality control and substandard packing and storage facilities.
Agritech can provide packaging and storage technologies that can help increase the life of perishable food and preserve it until it finds a market.
Agtech has come up with quick, non-destructive, and precise testing methodologies. Handheld devices can help measure food safety in terms of nutritional value, moisture and sugar content, acidity, and soluble solids.
