Technology is at the forefront of absolutely everything we do in our lives, even in places where we least expect it. For example, the food industry has been transformed since the advancements of computer involvement. As our population grows, so does the amount of food we need to produce. Here are 5 amazing ways how technology has created a more sustainable agriculture industry.
Robots and Machines
Robotics were introduced early on into the agricultural industry to aid with food processing and packaging. Large distribution centres rely on automation to meet the ever-growing demand of food products. Today, robotics has evolved to help with food sanitation, rapid picking and sorting in farmers’ fields, and food delivery. In the past decade, food manufactures have already seen over a 25% increase in productivity and quantities. It is estimated that in the next 20 years, the food industry will be completely automated, maximizing its productivity and ability to distribute food around the globe.
Packaging and Waste
Automated packing and waste systems are one of the most critical parts of the agriculture industry to ensure cleanliness. Machines, comparative to human employees, can make smaller and lighter packages, reducing the overall space and weight of deliveries, ultimately saving fuel and money. The largest benefit automated systems have is reducing costs, saving companies money that can be put towards increasing production even more.
Precision Agriculture
Satellite imaging has been increasingly used among farmers to get overhead readings on soil conditions and weather patterns. Infrared technology can detect fluctuations in phosphorus and nitric levels in soil, two of the main minerals in effective farming soil. Tracking weather patterns help to avoid overwatering, a very common issue farmers can run into that will ruin an entire season of crops. Secondly, imagery and collecting trends in crop growth can indicate whether crops are being damaged by pests or insects. This allows farmers to minimize the use of pesticides and to quickly resolve any upsets.
Indoor Farming
About 38% of our land is used for agriculture and farming. Unless the country is located along to equator or in a region with ideal weather conditions year-round, farmers aren’t able to produce foods year-round. Indoor farming is a recent technological advancement, allowing farmers to control conditions and avoid disturbances. Indoor farming also allows for farmers in less traditional places to farm, like in very northern areas or very dry climates. It is much more sustainable to make use of land that we already have, rather than altering or disturbing the natural landscape and forcing increased production.
Promoting Local Foods
Advertising online is the primary way our society gets their information. Food delivery resources have boomed in the past few years, making it extremely accessible for anyone to get fresh, locally grown food and these service are all based online. GPS tracking and location services data makes delivery services efficient and quick. Websites and services like HelloFresh and ImperfectFoods would not exist without computers making it easy and affordable to eat good food.
