In recent years, technology in agriculture, also known as AgTech, has rapidly changed the industry.

In
2015, the industry’s investment in technology reached to $4.6 billion. However, since the population is
continuing to grow it is expected to affect the resource availability going forward.

1. IoT and Sensors in the Field

The IoT is simplifying and streamlining the collection, inspection and overall distributing of agricultural
resources using sensors on equipment and materials.

Sensors placed strategically around fields along with image recognition technologies are allowing
farmers to view their crops from anywhere in the world. These sensors send farmers up to date
information in real-time, so changes can be made accordingly to their crops.

2. Drones and Crop Monitoring

Drones are being used for crop
monitoring widely across the U.S. as a
means to combat drought and other
harmful environmental factors. Drones
that produce 3D imaging can be used to
predict soil quality through analysis and
planning seed planting patterns.

Drones are also being used to spray

chemicals on crops while being careful
not to penetrate groundwater. Recent
studies have shown that drones can increase the speed of spraying by five times compared to other
types of machinery.
3. Farming and Robotics
Other startup robotics companies are
experimenting with laser and camera
guidance for identifying and removing
weeds without human intervention.
These robots can use the guidance to
navigate between rows of crops on its
own, reducing the manpower behind it.
Other companies are creating plant-
transplanting robots that add a new level
of efficiency to traditional methods and
finally, automation is being tested
for fruit-picking and nut harvesting,
something that has always seemed to be too delicate for robotics in the past.

4. RFID Sensors and Tracking

After crops are harvested, RFID
sensors can be used to track food
from the field to the store. The
end user, or the consumer, will be
able to follow a detailed trail
about the food they consume
from the farm it came to the
location where it was purchased.
This technology could increase
trustworthiness for manufacturers
and their responsibility to provide
fresh produce and goods.

If there is an outbreak of harmful

bacteria, these sensors could track
the produce back to the farm or
factory where it was produced.
These tracking systems could
reduce apprehension regarding
allergens and health requirements
for consumers. As for the farmer, the idea that their goods are being tracked will bring about a sense of
relief. After all, they can ensure their products are making it safe to their consumer’s table.
5. Machine Learning and Analytics
Machine learning can
predict which traits and
genes will be best for
crop production, giving
farmers all over the
world the best breed for
their location and
climate.

Machine learning
algorithms can also be
used within the
manufacturing aspect of agriculture, where consumers purchase their products. These algorithms can
show which products are being purchased the most and which products are falling under in the market.
Thus, creating proficient and effective forecasts for future farming.