Agriculture was one of the most important and revolutionary changes made by humans; one that allowed us to become the advanced species we are today. Feeding our global population is becoming a complex problem that requires more sustainable and affordable solutions than we have utilised over recent decades. New technologies and “smart farming” are solving various problems at the same time.
Overpopulation is just one of the concerns surrounding the agricultural and food industries. Climate change and overuse of resources are more difficult challenges facing farmers around the world. Incorporating smart management systems and technologies allow farmers to improve the productivity, cost-effectiveness and sustainability of their farming processes. Supporting South Africa’s economic growth, job creation, food access and produce exports, while strengthening their own businesses.
Farmers and other stakeholders are in a position to redirect their businesses to better align with the global agricultural movement towards sustainability and combating climate change; making a real difference. Let us take a look at how technology could transform your farming operation.
Improving Productivity and Driving Sustainability
The introduction of purpose-built and high-impact technologies has completely transformed the agricultural sector in recent years. Farmers are utilising management software, genetic modification, smart data collection and analysis, drones and AI-driven machinery – just to name a few. Technological innovations are helping farmers meet the challenges of growing demand, plummeting resources, climate change and globalised market competition.
South African farmers and stakeholders have the opportunity to address food security concerns, create new jobs, address some historical inequalities and combat the impacts of climate change. All the while reducing operating costs, streamlining production processes, optimising resource usage and maximising yields. There is no question that the introduction of smart agriculture has shown us the future of farming and the most beneficial ways forward for humanity and our planet.
Mitigating the Global Impacts of Climate Change
Agriculture is a critical piece of the machine that drives our society forward. However, this does come with an opportunity cost; agriculture and factory farming being one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, by refining the methods and tools we use to farm produce and making them more sustainable, we are helping to mitigate the global impact of climate change.
Smart farming uses data-driven analysis and machine learning to develop better operating procedures for each and every business that utilises them. Increasing productivity and cost-effectiveness will, inherently, help farmers use resources more efficiently, increase their yields, better predict weather, create sustainable practices and ensure that farms are able to feed our people – without harming our planet.
IoT devices are changing the way we communicate with and manage our employees in every sector. Farm owners and managers are able to facilitate an environment that focuses on working effectively and enabling sustainability through the introduction of smart farming solutions. When coupled with the incredible work of farmhands, AI-driven technology can help the agricultural sector become a critical part of the solution to climate change – and not part of the problem.
The Benefits of Investing in Smart Farming Solutions
Whether we are discussing subsistence community farms or large commercial farms, there are a multitude of benefits that can be earned through the informed and effective integration of new agricultural technologies and software. These benefits are not only limited to production and harvesting, but extend to the financial, environmental, resource and food quality areas of agricultural operations, too.
Better management procedures are a sure-fire way to improve the productivity of any business. There are financial management systems that are designed for agriculture and can help manage operating costs, sales, supply chains, wages and accounts for farm owners and managers. Human resource management is critical to successful farming; ensuring all operations are well staffed and supported, with operations monitoring options that give managers better oversight.
AI-driven solutions are helping to automate and streamline a variety of processes, machinery and irrigation that have a large impact on yields. Genetic modification, soil makeup, understanding biodiversity, food quality and produce tracking are just some of the ways that farmers are evolving their agricultural techniques and knowledge. Weather forecasting and other environmental factors are also considered, while still focusing on creating more cost-effective and sustainable practices.
The Future of Smart Farming in South Africa
No one would argue with the power of technology to transform the farming industry around the world and across South Africa. Using smart farming tools and purpose-built digital systems, the agricultural industry will easily and effectively transition into “precision farming” – the future of agriculture. This means devising more sustainable, cost-effective and intentional farming methods that are considerate of budgets, resources, communities and the planet.
Farmers are using technology to improve weather forecasting, maximisation of water and other resources, automating machinery and production processes, managing operations and workers, decision-making and food security across the country. Sustainability is key to protecting the future of our critical agricultural sector, our beautiful planet, our essential farmlands and the indispensable farmers that feed us.
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