what is technology in agriculture
Modern farms and agricultural operations work far differently than those a few decades ago, primarily because of advancements in technology, including sensors, devices, machines, and information technology. Today’s agriculture routinely uses sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology. These advanced devices and precision agriculture and drone agriculture allow businesses to be more profitable, efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly.
What You Need to Know
Agricultural technology may be the most revolutionary and impactful area of modern technology, driven by the fundamental need for to produce enough nutritional food to nourish a growing global population. The technology covers everything from powered machinery that does work formerly preformed my people and animals to enhanced seed technologies to agrochemicals that support crop growth and protect plants from destructive weeds and insects.
IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY
Farmers no longer have to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides uniformly across entire fields. Instead, they can use the minimum quantities required and target very specific areas, or even treat individual plants differently. Benefits include:
Higher crop productivity
Decreased use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, which in turn keeps food prices down
Reduced impact on natural ecosystems
Less runoff of chemicals into rivers and groundwater
Increased worker safety
In addition, robotic technologies enable more reliable monitoring and management of natural resources, such as air and water quality. It also gives producers greater control over plant and animal production, processing, distribution, and storage, which results in:
Greater efficiencies and lower prices
Safer growing conditions and safer foods
Reduced environmental and ecological impact
Drone sprayer IMPACT
NIFA’S IMPACT
NIFA advances agricultural technology and ensures, that the nation’s agricultural industries are able to utilize it by supporting:
Basic research and development in physical sciences, engineering, and computer sciences
Development of agricultural devices, sensors, and systems
Applied research that assesses how to employ technologies economically and with minimal disruption to existing practices
Assistance and instruction to farmers on how to use new technologies
