Agriculture Technology (2024)

FAQs

Is agriculture technology good or bad? ›

They can make farms more profitable and have environmental benefits—like reducing fertilizer runoff in waterways. But they can also be complex and have high up-front costs, making it hard for some farmers to access them.

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.

This knowledge reduces the divide between farm and table and enhances food security. Additionally, agricultural education teaches students basic survival skills. As a result, they can differentiate between poisonous and non-poisonous plants and learn about soil health and food safety.

The technology that has had the biggest impact on agriculture is arguably the development of genetically modified crops. These crops have been engineered to be more resistant to pests and diseases, tolerate extreme weather conditions, and have higher yields.

Farming allowed people to produce more food than they could actually eat. The extra food provided by agriculture meant that some people did not have to spend their time gathering food.

However, there are also some drawbacks to the use of technology in agriculture. One of the main problems is that it can lead to excessive dependence on machines and chemicals, which can be expensive to maintain. Apart from this, if it is not used properly, it can also harm the environment.

Drones, robots and "intelligent" tractors

Together, these agricultural technologies helped farmers reach new levels of precision and efficiency in crop management – down to the square meter. Today, drones are used in agriculture by both large scale and smallholder farmers all over the globe.

Farm Technology Use and Ownership Highlights

Nationally, 85 percent of farms reported having access to the internet. In 2023, 32 percent of farms used the internet to purchase agricultural inputs, which was an increase of 3 percent from 2021.

New Food Technology Tools

Hydroponic and vertical farming are two examples. In hydroponics, farmers grow vegetables in water instead of soil and feed the crops enough nutrients to mature. This technology is spreading quickly in very high-density cities, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and other large cities in Asia.

Overusing these machines can result in negative environmental consequences such as air and water pollution and soil degradation. Unemployment – As technology and automation bring significant savings on labor and improve the production of crop yields, it can lead to job losses in the farming community.

What are the positive effects of agriculture? ›

Pasture and cropland occupy around 50 percent of the Earth's habitable land and provide habitat and food for a multitude of species. When agricultural operations are sustainably managed, they can preserve and restore critical habitats, help protect watersheds, and improve soil health and water quality.

Including agriculture and farming as major disciplines during schooling will help all children understand food production and management. This knowledge adds to their exposure and helps them better understand the seasonality of crops, harvesting, and transportation.

The plow, an ancient tool dating back to 3500 B.C.E., revolutionized farming by allowing early farmers to till more land faster, increasing crop production. Tractors, introduced in the 1920s as portable steam engines, significantly reduced manual labor in fields, helping farmers work more efficiently.

Agriculture impacts society in many ways, including: supporting livelihoods through food, habitat, and jobs; providing raw materials for food and other products; and building strong economies through trade.

The application of biotechnology in agriculture has resulted in benefits to farmers, producers, and consumers. Biotechnology has helped to make both insect pest control and weed management safer and easier while safeguarding crops against disease.

Agriculture is an essential industry in the United States, employing millions of Americans every year. The agriculture sector provides many jobs for scientists, farmers, food specialists, animal care professionals, ecologists and environmental specialists.

It is important to weigh both the pros and cons of AI in agriculture. While AI promises enhanced productivity, resource conservation, and agricultural advancements, addressing its downsides, like investment costs, data security, job concerns, and environmental impact, is vital.