Precision farming is a new trend in farming practices with the inclusion of new-age technology in it. It is likely to change everything about farming towards the achievement of sustainable goals. As far as technology is concerned, from sensors and drones to data analytics, this type of farming has enabled the farmers to treat their crops with pinpoint accuracy. However, by 2024, the innovative approach does not only benefit the farmers; in fact, it works quite as a sustainability power.
What is Precision Farming?
Precision farming, also referred to as precision agriculture, leverages real-time data to optimize every aspect of the farming process—from planting all the way through to harvest. Monitoring the specific requirements of crops and soil allows only the resources necessary to meet those needs at just the right time. Of course, precision farming is becoming more important as increasing global food demand is placed on agriculture. According to new studies, food production is expected to rise by as much as 70 percent to feed the population by the year 2050.
Key Benefits of Precision Farming in Sustainable Practices
- Water Saving: In a region like California and India, precision irrigation systems help reduce the consumption of this valuable resource. Only the areas to be irrigated are watered with precision irrigation systems; water consumption is reduced to up to 50%. Moisture sensors in the soil measure the exact moisture, reducing the waste of this resource.
- Application of Chemicals: Chemical pesticides and fertilizers were used throughout the large area; actually, the requirement is quite less. Technology like drone mapping and smart sensors enable only the application of chemicals to pests or nutrient-deficiency areas; for instance, the Australia farms that used precision farming reduced pesticide application by 30% in 2023.
- Greater yield: The accuracy of information can lead to increased yields. Knowing what all the precise conditions the soil and the plant are, farmers therefore respond to every crop according to its requirements. Using this technique in Brazil in 2022, agricultural farms had a 20 percent increased yield. Greater yields entail growing more food on the same amount of land, so there is less pressure to clear up forests for agriculture.
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: Precision farming is reducing the usage of heavy machines and overuse of fertilizers, which are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. Because less fuel is burned and more efficient use of fertilizers, farms have seen lower carbon footprints.
Recent Advancements in Precision Farming
- Drones and Satellite Imagery: Drones and satellites have become the most important tools. They take high-resolution images, enabling the farmer to observe crop health from above. In China, drones are quite in use, and today even the smallest farm is able to use this technology.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning are making precision farming smarter. AI-based tools can predict weather changes, detect pest outbreaks, and even suggest optimal planting times. According to a 2023 AgFunder report, 80% of precision farms in the U.S. rely on AI to predict crop needs.
- IoT for Real-Time Data: IoT sensors monitor everything from soil nutrients to air humidity. In Europe, smart greenhouses are using IoT to grow fresh produce all year, with little environmental impact.
Challenges in Adopting Precision Farming
Precision farming requires high investments, which makes it challenging for small farmers. Another reason is that the data generated should be kept safe from unscrupulous use, but the development of technology creates affordable alternatives that make it feasible to have precision farms in every scale.
Why Precision Farming Matters Now
In 2024, precision farming is now not an option but necessary. One of the ways out of the present environmental issues such as the depletion of resources and changes in climate is to feed all humanity by precision farming as human beings strive. Precision farming saves resources, minimizes wastage, builds productivity, and aligns with sustainability as a principle and with sustainability in practice. Technologies will pave the way toward agriculture that is greener, more resilient, and ultimately sustainable into the future.