Modern agricultural technology emerges as a beacon of hope for the
economies of poor, underdeveloped, least-developed, and developing
nations. Here, we’ll show the transformative journey, highlighting
modern technology’s crucial role in catapulting the agricultural sector
toward unprecedented economic growth.
As precision farming, automation, and biotechnology revolutionize
traditional practices, they promise to unlock untapped potential. Such
practices boost crop yields, conserve resources, and foster sustainability.
This technological shift holds significant importance as it can empower
farmers. Uplifting the farmers will grow under-developed countries and
pave a resilient path toward prosperity in the heart of global agricultural
landscapes.
We’ll show how modern technological advancements in agriculture can
bring economic development in underdeveloped countries by increasing
production.
Traditional Agriculture vs Modern Technological
Advancements
Here, we are trying to show the least developed countries the differences
and advantages of using modern tech in agriculture. In the end, when
production increases, the countries earn more than before, bringing
economic development.
Traditional Agriculture Methods and Limitations
Traditional agriculture involves methods practiced for centuries, relying
on manual labour, essential tools, and natural processes. Limitations
include:
Low Efficiency: Traditional methods are often labour-intensive and
time-consuming, leading to lower overall efficiency.
Dependency on Weather: Traditional farming is highly dependent on
weather conditions, making yields vulnerable to climatic variations.
Limited Productivity: Crop yields may be limited due to the need for
advanced pest control, irrigation, and soil management techniques.
Modern Technological Advancements
Modern agriculture has witnessed significant technological advancements
to overcome traditional limitations. Key innovations include-
Precision Farming
Precision farming is a method that utilizes technology to enhance crop
yield, resource utilization, and overall efficiency in agriculture. The
system uses GPS, sensors, and data analytics to collect and evaluate soil
conditions, weather patterns, and crop health information.
Additionally, it empowers farmers to make informed decisions based on
data, enhancing the efficiency of water, fertilizer, and pesticide utilization
while reducing waste.
Agricultural automation encompasses the deployment of robotics,
drones, and autonomous vehicles for tasks conventionally undertaken
by humans.
Automation in Agriculture
Automation in agriculture involves using robotics, drones, and
autonomous vehicles to perform tasks traditionally performed by humans.
Automated technologies streamline processes like planting, harvesting,
and monitoring, increasing efficiency and reducing labour costs.
Successful examples include-
- Robotic planting: AI-guided robots sow seeds with meticulous
accuracy, optimizing spacing and depth, boosting yields by 15%
● Sensor-driven irrigation: Soil moisture sensors trigger intelligent
watering systems, reducing water waste by 35%
● Aerial mapping and spraying: Multispectral drones create
detailed field maps, identifying nutrient deficiencies and pest
infestations. Targeted spraying reduces pesticide use by 50%
● Autonomous tractors: GPS-guided tractors plow, cultivate, and
harvest tirelessly, freeing farmers for strategic tasks and increasing
labour productivity by 20%
● Robotic milking systems: Gentle robotic milking improves
animal welfare by 15% and increases milk quality.
Biotechnology
Biotechnological advancements in agriculture include genetic modification and
gene editing to enhance crop characteristics. It can improve crop resistance
to pests and diseases, increase nutritional content, and enhance productivity.
Using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and gene editing raises ethical
concerns about environmental impact, biodiversity, and long-term health effects
Comparison of Benefits
Productivity
Modern technologies significantly enhance productivity through precise
resource management, reducing waste, and optimizing crop yields.
Efficiency
Automation and precision farming increase efficiency by automating
repetitive tasks, minimizing errors, and allowing real-time monitoring
and adjustment.
Sustainability
Modern agricultural practices, when implemented responsibly, can
contribute to sustainable farming. And it can be done by reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and minimizing the use of
harmful chemicals.
Integrating Modern Technologies in Small-scale
Farming
Benefits for Small-scale Farmers
1. Increased Efficiency Modern technologies can significantly improve the efficiency of small scale farming operations by streamlining processes and reducing labour and time requirements.
2. Precision Farming Precision farming techniques can enhance resource utilization, increasing yields and substantial cost savings.
3. Access to Information Technology provides small-scale farmers valuable information on weather, market prices, and best farming practices.
Making Technology Accessible and Affordable
1. Subsidies and Grants Governments and organizations can offer financial incentives, subsidies, or grants to make modern agricultural technologies more affordable.
1. Training and Education Providing training programs can empower small-scale farmers to use and maintain modern equipment effectively.
1. Community Initiatives Collaborative efforts within farming communities can help share the costs of acquiring and maintaining technology.
Success Stories
● Kenya’s Esoko: A mobile platform that connects farmers to markets,
resulting in over 1 million users experiencing a 60% increase in income.
● India’s Rythm app: AI-powered analysis of farm data provides
personalized recommendations, boosting yields by 15%.
● Bangladesh’s iFarmer and Freshie Farms: These aggrotech platforms help farmers and their public investors. This way, everyone can actively contribute to farming, and farmers get a proper ROI.
Government Support and Investment
Modernizing agriculture requires substantial government support and
investment. In 2020, global public funding for aggrotech and R&D reached
$55.4 billion, according to an OECD report. Initiatives like India’s Bharat.Net project are essential to bridge the $70 billion gap identified by
the World Bank to close the rural digital divide by 2030.
Governments should prioritize equitable access and support small farmers
and women in tech adoption programs. Utilize regulatory sandboxes for
experimentation and encourage collaboration among researchers, farmers,
and the private sector to accelerate innovation.
Challenges and Considerations
While technology enhances livelihoods, it comes with drawbacks. The
excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides can significantly impact soil
health, biodiversity, and water quality. Using GMOs raises ecological
concerns and public unease, requiring transparent dialogue and safety
assessments.
The digital divide risks marginalizing small-scale farmers, and unforeseen
consequences of specific technologies necessitate cautious and responsible
development. Sustainable practices such as precision agriculture, renewable
energy optimization, and organic farming methods are crucial to address
these challenges.
Conclusion
Banks fulfil a pivotal role in enhancing the overall economy’s resilience while managing their risks. Banks reduce the adverse impacts on overall sustainability by reallocating credit towards the most sustainable sectors and exercising control over lending. This proactive approach helps mitigate potential harm and support. Banks can adopt the “green banking model” to minimize these risks, employing strategies. For instance, the Equator Principles or participating in sustainable banking partnerships. Frameworks like the Equator Principles enable banks to integrate environmental and social considerations seamlessly.
