Read Below – How new-age agritech platforms are embracing marginal and small farmers?
According to the United Nations, India is expected to be the most populous country in the world by 2027. As the population grows, the demand for food and other necessities is also forecast to increase. As a result, agricultural markets will have to change in ways we’ve never seen before. Despite land and water resource scarcity, the industry must focus on improving efficiency and productivity. Deloitte’s research indicates that technology will primarily drive food demand and affordability. And the impact of technology is visible with the increasing adoption of innovative and sustainable farming practices. These activities aim to conserve natural resources while meeting the needs of a growing population. Smart farming uses technology to improve agricultural production efficiency. It uses data analytics and sensors to optimize crop monitoring, irrigation and fertilization.
Additionally, it uses robots and drones for weed control and crop mapping. In terms of sustainable agriculture, the practice is to respect the environment. They aim to minimize the impact of agriculture on the ecosystem. Farmers use sustainable materials and practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which promotes biodiversity and minimizes soil erosion and water pollution. Together, intelligent and sustainable agricultural innovations have the potential to turn agriculture into a more sustainable and productive industry. How are organizations reorganizing traditional agriculture by combining technology and agriculture? The advent of agriculture was a significant turning point in the cultural and environmental history of mankind. While the first animals were domesticated about 10,000 years ago, technological applications have disrupted India’s agricultural industry over the past two decades. Organizations have combined innovative technologies to improve traditional farming practices, resulting in a more effective, sustainable and efficient form of agriculture that can meet the needs of a growing population. An example of using technology to improve agriculture is in the field of precision irrigation.
Sensors and software allow farmers to monitor soil moisture, crop growth and weather conditions. As a result, plants receive the water they need to grow – no less, no more. Technology-based practices reduce waste and improve yields by not exposing crops to drought or excess moisture. Another area where technology is making a difference is the fresh produce supply chain. Agritech platforms connect food manufacturers directly with service providers, restaurants and retailers. They help solve one of the world’s most challenging supply chain problems. As a result, farmers earn more income and receive payments faster, retailers benefit from reasonable and competitive prices, and consumers benefit from cost savings. Costs and higher product quality. What problems are new-age agricultural companies solving? New-age agricultural companies have improved connectivity, efficiency, knowledge sharing, and various essential and supportive activities at the touch of a button. The penetration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in this field is disruptive, be it automatic irrigation and harvesting, AI-assisted planting and weeding, weather forecasters, machines drones or automated machines. Specific problems that new-age agritech companies are solving for farmers and the agricultural industry include:
Limited access to technology for efficient farming Although the internet has penetrated Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, most farmers still lack access to the latest technology. Many new-age agricultural companies are focusing on this concern, providing innovative solutions such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, modern irrigation methods and high-tech farming techniques that will be developed in the future. Protection to accelerate agricultural production. Lack of access to financial solutions Farmers need more income or have easy access to credit and markets. Agritech companies have identified this challenge and made it easier for farmers to apply for and get loans.
The platforms make it easier to manage accounts and track financial transactions. Inefficient Post-Harvest Supply Chain Poor supply chain systems have plagued farmers for many periods. New age agricultural companies and bridging the gap between farmers, retailers and service providers. As transportation and supply chain gaps narrow, farmers benefit from one-stop sales, faster payments, and transparent weighing. Farm input solutions Many agritech companies are making farm input purchases flexible through apps and online marketplaces. Farmers can buy raw materials and sell fresh produce directly to food processing companies without intermediaries. Benefits to farmers of technological innovation Various developments introduced by agribusinesses are based on technology that helps digitize agriculture, bring transparency along the value chain, supply fresh produce products directly to consumers, improve farmers’ access to real-time information, and provide financial support through micro-finance options. Modern farmers depend on technology, from GPS-guided tractors to precise irrigation systems. These technological improvements have helped farmers produce more food with fewer resources. In addition, they also help farmers reduce their impact on the environment. Conclusion Over the years, the agricultural sector has faced many challenges due to drought, fluctuating crop prices, government policies and other concerns. However, the industry is now using advanced technology to reduce costs, improve quality and increase output. In addition, agritech companies are focusing on new ways to pack and ship fresh produce to reduce waste and enhance shelf life. The impact of these innovations on the industry is positive, and there are opportunities for more significant progress in the future. Growing agricultural companies can save the nation’s struggling farmers with clever techniques that benefit retailers, exporters, food processors, restaurants and other service providers.