2nd August - Valencia.
As the World’s Population is set to hit 9.8 billion by 2050 it is estimated that the planet will need 70% more sustainable food production by then. Many challenges are facing the Agricultural industry before achieving that goal.
In the last two decades, the emergence of Agritech has revolutionized how we grow and produce food. The unprecedented rate of food wastage and loss, and the negative impact of climate on agriculture and food supply, it's more important than ever to find ways to improve the productivity, efficiency, profitability and sustainability of agriculture. Agritech is creating a new way of farming using the latest technological advancements providing a necessary platform for the future needs of the planet.
Agricultural challenges
Farming currently takes up 50 per cent of the Earth's habitable land. Moreover, there is evidence that the large-scale conversion of natural habitats into agricultural lands has led to the loss of biodiversity, increased soil degradation, and more pressure on water resources.
The changing climate is also leading to a shift in the type of crops being grown and a decrease in productivity. Climate change is also increasing the risk of crop pests and diseases, altering the timing of crop growth. This, in turn, can result in reduced food availability and increased prices.
In developing countries, post-harvest loss is estimated to be about 30 percent. This waste has serious economic and environmental consequences.
Embedded systems closely linked to devices of the Internet of Things (IoT) are providing the basis to bring innovative farming solutions to fruition to help overcome these challenges.
Connected Precision farming
Connected farming is now one of the most promising trends in agriculture, defining how agricultural businesses can produce enough food to meet growing demand. This has been transformed by Precision Agriculture which is the science of improving crop yields and assisting management decisions using high technology sensor and analysis tools. Grand View Research predicts that the global precision farming market will hit $16.35 billion by 2028, growing at a 13.1% CAGR.
New technologies allow farmers to monitor, manage, control, and ultimately improve key agricultural and farming processes at the pre-production, production, and post-production stages of the farming cycle.
By integrating sensors, actuators, and communication technologies, there is the ability to collect real-time data on soil moisture, temperature, nutrient levels, and crop growth, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions. By delivering the right amount of water at the right time, these systems minimize water waste and prevent overwatering, leading to water conservation and cost savings. Controlling and monitoring temperature and humidity in greenhouses, can ensure optimal growing conditions for plants. Whilst monitoring livestock health and behaviour, can detect anomalies and provide early warning signs of diseases.
Drones equipped with embedded systems and cameras can capture aerial images of crops, providing valuable insights into plant health, growth patterns, and identifying areas that require attention.
Remote sensing combined with geographic information systems (GISs) and/or global positioning systems (GPSs) are often used in Precision Agriculture. By providing centimetre-level accuracy, highly sophisticated technologies such as Real Time Kinematics are now enabling farmers to accurately map their fields. They can transmit the correct positioning information to tractors by radio signal, allowing them to stay on track while moving. This innovation boosts soil health and productivity, increasing output with less input.
AI, ML and Robotics
Closely linked to the IoT technologies and the data they collect is the ever-rising use of AI and machine learning within agriculture. AI solutions are being developed to optimize crop management and efficiency. Through its predictive capabilities, AI technology can foresee weather patterns, crop yield, soil nutrients and other factors that directly impact farmer’s operational efficiency and cost.
AI-based robots are now commonly used in agriculture. eg UK-based Agritech company Xihelm who have created an AI powered robot designed to harvest fruits and vegetables using AI to identify only the ripest fruit.
Supply Chain Transparency
IoT connectivity is also instrumental in enhancing supply chain transparency in agriculture. Embedded systems equipped with IoT capabilities can track and trace the movement of agricultural produce. This allows stakeholders, including farmers, distributors, and consumers, to gain insights into the origin, quality, and handling of products, ensuring food safety and improving traceability.
Automation Innovations in Livestock Farming
Automation is making a big impact on Agritech particularly in Livestock farming. Sensors and wearable devices, such as smart collars or ear tags, can collect data on animal movements, body temperature, and feeding habits. This information help farmers identify and address health issues promptly, optimize feed and nutrition plans, and improve overall animal welfare.
Automated dairy installations milk cows automatically without human intervention, and the milk sensors also help farmers monitor the milk quality.
And Automated feeder systems provide animals with feeding mixtures tailored to their specific needs and in the right amount.
Traditional agriculture is now embracing new technological opportunities; however, the new innovations are largely being developed by start-up and growing companies and therefore remains largely experimental. For this to really accelerate, new roles and hiring strategies will be needed which requires partnership with experts who know the market and new innovative engineering skills. Skilled Engineers in the field are a scarce commodity and it requires specialised knowledge on a global basis of where to find high calibre engineers that can optimise innovations to the next level. CIS is one such provider with over 20 years’ experience in seeking the right level of engineer for specialised projects and teams. Make sure your next Agritech project is covered, contact CIS on info@cis-ee.com or +34 963 943 500.