Top 4 Agritech Trends to Follow in 2024
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States, 770 million people were still undernourished in 2021. Despite the stats on a 50% increase in primary crop production, the world still demands more from agriculture. Hence, the farmers are coming to the conclusion that instead of using traditional, human-centered practices, a new innovative technology in agriculture is needed.
Automation and robotics
By 2028 the market of agriculture robotics is going to reach $40.1 billion USD. It is undoubtedly one of the future trends in agriculture that will make revolutionary changes to the workforce. However, not all farmers are thinking about implementing robots and drones immediately. Automation is brought by different means and among them are:
- Autonomous Tractors and Machinery. Self-driving tractors and machinery equipped with GPS and sensor technology to perform tasks like plowing, planting, and harvesting without human intervention. The first self-driving tractor was introduced by John Deer, and this latest agriculture technology is not just good on paper but actually works on farms.
- Automated irrigation systems. Systems that use weather data, soil moisture sensors, and timers to automatically adjust the irrigation schedule and quantity. Netafim, an Israeli company, introduced a drip irrigation system that delivers the water straight to the root of the plant, reducing water usage.
- Automated animal husbandry tools. It’s an agrotechnology used for monitoring and managing livestock, such as automated feeding systems and health monitoring devices. Lely, a Dutch agricultural company, offers systems that automate the milking process, improving efficiency and animal health tracking.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are the emerging technologies in agriculture. Although their use is still not widespread in every corner of the world, it’s future is promising.
These technologies are being employed for a range of purposes, including predictive analysis for crop health and market demand, early detection of pests and diseases, and implementing sustainable harvesting techniques that reduce waste.Additionally, the advent of AI-driven robotics has brought about innovative applications in the sector, including intelligent livestock management and automated farming operations, marking a significant leap from traditional farming methodologies to a more tech-savvy, sustainable, and efficient agricultural future.Research in agricultural technology has led to the creation of a specialized algorithm capable of assessing the ripeness of tomatoes by analyzing their color in five distinct areas, achieving an impressive success rate of 99.31%.CattleEye company uses overhead cameras and AI algorithms to monitor cattle health and behavior, allowing for remote, real-time tracking and prompt intervention in case of health issues.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology is poised to be a significant trend in agri technology by 2024, offering transformative solutions for the agriculture sector.One of the key areas where blockchain is making a substantial impact in agriculture is supply chain management. The technology ensures transparency and traceability, allowing all parties involved in the agricultural supply chain to track the production, processing, and distribution of products in real time. This level of transparency is crucial for verifying the authenticity of agricultural products, preventing fraud, and improving food safety.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the main enabler of connected farming. Meanwhile, the market of connected farming grew dramatically from 2018 to 2023 by 19.3 % CAGR. IoT is not limited to the use of sensors to monitor soil moisture and nutrient levels, allowing for precise irrigation and fertilization. It also encompasses IoT-enabled drones used for aerial surveillance, providing farmers with detailed insights into crop health, pest infestations, and field conditions.John Deere, a leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery, incorporates IoT in their equipment to enable precision farming. Their tractors and combines are equipped with sensors and GPS technology, allowing for real-time data collection and analysis for optimized field management.
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Wrapping up
As the agriculture businesses navigate the complexities of feeding a growing global population, the role of technology becomes crucial. AI/ML, blockchain, IoT give farmers the tools that can significantly enhance their businesses and take them to a new level. Qaltivate is a digitalization partner offering custom software development of the innovative agricultural solutions tailored to your organization. By collaborating with us you can seamlessly integrate emerging technologies into your operations and modernize the outdated systems without disruptions of work, and within your designated budget. Ready to digitalize agriculture with us? Book a call!
FAQ
1. What does the future of agriculture look like?
The future of agriculture will be significantly upgraded by technological advancements. The experts expect automation to prevail, with robots and AI handling tasks like planting, weeding, and harvesting. Precision farming will be enhanced through sensors, GPS, and drones.
2. How can agtech trends impact the agricultural industry?
Agtech trends will help farmers implement more sustainable practices while increasing their efficiency. Trends like climate-smart agriculture technologies help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions, securing food production.
3. How can farmers and agricultural businesses leverage these trends to improve productivity and sustainability?
Farmers can use AI for insights on crop performance, pest control and weather patterns. Precision farming tools can get precise information on crop and soil conditions. This enables the targeted application of resources, like fertilizers, water, and pesticides, and boosts crop yields.
4. Are there any challenges or risks associated with adopting new agritech technologies?
Some agtech trends will have a high price, especially for small-sized agribusinesses. However, getting a consultation with tech experts can save costs and help pick relevant and affordable options.
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