Compiled by Adejimi Christiana Adebola
Technology has played a big role in developing the agricultural industry. Today it is possible to grow crops in a desert by use of agricultural biotechnology. Through genetic engineering scientists have managed to introduce traits into existing genes with a goal of making crops resistant to droughts and pests.
Modern technology is simply an advancement of old technology. The impact of technology in modern life is immeasurable, we use technology in different ways and sometimes the way we implement various technologies do more damage than good. We use technology on a daily basis to accomplish specific tasks or interests.
THE USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE
In the world, the central stage is always occupied by the agricultural industry. This condition is irrespective of time and lifestyle changes. Few years back, the survival of agricultural industry was critical, but now the situation is contradictory where new developments in the industry have been made with the help of technology. Areas like productivity, cost and labor have been highly enhanced or supported with the help of technology. Categorizing them first come the information technology which has played a vital role in circulating information in the field of agriculture.
IT in agriculture
Agriculture has found its path sparking only after information exchange within it. Information here definitely means the data relating to market prices, demand, cultivation ideas and seasonal changes. Information relating to weather is the most important one which saves the farmer from any kind of loss due it.
I should say, modernism is not in agriculture alone but in the farmers too. That is the crowd which makes use of technology in this industry. Development of new apps which will ease the work of a farmer is definitely a good sign in the industry.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology, an extension of researches made in the entire science world is now one of the reasons for a developed agricultural practice all over the world. The nanoparticles used in agriculture makes the crops much healthier than normal. The nanoparticles ransom pesticides and fertilizers into the field at appropriate times.
Use of GPS technology in agriculture
Farm planning, field mapping, soil sampling, tractor guidance, crop scouting, variable rate applications, yield mapping. The main purpose of GPS in agriculture is to allow the farmers continue their work even at zero visibility cases. Zero visibility states the difficulties in viewing the farm during rain, darkness, fog, and dust.
Agricultural robots
Their tasks range from processing the seeds to planting. The results are always optimistic due to excess intelligence programmed to the robots. Errors are detected and solved often.
The modern agricultural technology gives many advantages such as;
- Irrigation facility.
- It can reduce time.
- Modern machinery like tractors are used up in farming makes Ploughing and harvesting faster.
- Helps to yield high quantity of crops.
Disadvantages of Modern Technology in Agriculture
- Due to lack of practical knowledge, farmers can’t handle the machines properly.
- Maintenance cost is very high.
- Over usage of machines may lead to environmental damage.
- It is efficient but it has side effects and drawbacks.
In conclusion, modern technology is very important in agriculture because it makes our works easier and better for sales and consumption. When we have profit as our aim in business, then we must adopt technology. The world has left the old days where mostly manual tools are used to farm and little profit were made but we are in the era where we make things easier and better.