Agriculture is the foundation of all developments in the world. Its role in all areas of our lives cannot be neglected because agriculture is not limited to providing food to individuals in a country but much more than that. Over the years, technology has proven very useful in the agricultural field. Currently, farmers can plant where they think plants would not grow, but this can only be achieved through agricultural biotechnology. For example, genetic engineering makes it possible to introduce certain sequences into other genes in crops or animals. The project improves the resistance of crops to pests, diseases and drought. Through technology, farmers can electrify all processes to achieve higher efficiency and higher yields.
Although, there are restrictions on how to speed up the use and adoption of modern technology in agriculture. This can be associated to the fact that the acceleration of this concept contains a lot of knowledge and understanding of certain factors that influence farmers’ decision to use modern technology in agriculture.
- Institutions, society, and economy are some of the factors that affect the speed or inertia of using agricultural technology.
- Land area, technology costs and benefits are some of the economic factors that determine the pace of agricultural technology adoption.
- Education level, age, social group and gender of farmers are social factors that affect the possibility of farmers using modern agricultural technology.
Smallholder farmers face internal and external challenges in using modern agricultural technology. This aspect illustrates the inertia of using these technologies. Regardless of the challenges, modern technology value in agriculture is of utmost importance. Here is how technology is helping it.
The success of agriculture is not by implanting but by additional knowledge and better technology. The methods of modern agriculture and agricultural operations are different from decades ago. This is mainly due to technological advancements, including sensors, equipment, machines and information technology. For example, inorganic fertilizers are used more. Less pesticides are consumed, and different tractors and machinery are used to reduce cost of labor.
Also, sophisticated technologies such as agricultural robots, temperature and humidity sensors, aerial photos and GPS technology are modern agricultural advancement. These advanced equipment enables precise farming. Also, robotic systems enable companies to be more profitable, more efficient, safer and more environmentally friendly. The availability of these inputs makes it necessary to use natural resources and processes to improve agricultural production and reduce costs. Farmers no longer need to apply water, fertilizer and pesticides evenly across the land. Instead, they can use the least amount and target very specific areas, or even treat different plants.
Furthermore, through technological advancement, robotic technologies allow for more reliable control and management of natural resources. Producers have greater control over the production, processing, distribution and storage of plants and animals, leading to:
- Greater efficiencies and lower prices
- Safer growing conditions and safer foods
- Reduced environmental and ecological impact
Conclusion
Modern technology has brought about increased crop productivity, reduced impact on natural ecosystems, increased worker safety, decreased use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides among many others. This is why modern technology adoption can’t be exhausted. However, in order to achieve these goals, farmers need to understand the concept of modern farming and the importance of technology in agriculture.
