Those who live in cities cannot imagine the revolution that is currently taking place in the farms responsible for producing food for the population. The future is now: the Future farm is already here!
In today's production systems, technologies and new forms of management play an essential role in increasing productivity and reducing risks.
Those who have lived through the uncertainties in relation to crops are probably surprised to know that the moment is for the expansion of precision agriculture models.
Technology-accelerated transformation
New production systems are currently being consolidated with artificial intelligence, internet of things, big data, blockchain and microbiome to enable the modernization of activities in the fields. Precision agriculture involves the concept of differentiated crop management and sustainable production.
In the past of our grandparents and great-grandparents, the same type of seed was applied in all areas of the plantation. In that traditional plantation model, fertilizers and inputs are also distributed indiscriminately, based on average soil sampling. The tendency now will disappear from the farms.
How soil and microbiome analysis helps more accurate production
Now, and increasingly in the future, the producer recognizes that the land has different characteristics. That is, there is no uniformity, which can be caused by soil stains, physical or chemical factors, water quality, and diseases, among several factors. Hence, the importance of working with the concept of “microbiomes”, which is linked to the definition of precision agriculture.
“The microbiome analysis report makes it possible to be more assertive in practical actions. When we don't look at a type of information, it becomes a black box, decisions are made without adequate knowledge. Attention to soil biology allows us to be more precise. Thinking about pesticide applications, as a traditional example. If we don't know exactly what the soil problems are, then we make some generic applications. Now, if you know exactly what the threats are, you can be more assertive and better target management actions.”, Marcus Adonai, Biome4all.
What is evident today is that the analysis of a small sample of land can help to prevent problems and to carry out an effective management of production. It is possible to work with a variety of information that contributes to the improvement of decision processes. The consequence is improved productivity and soil quality; a more sustainable and healthier production for the final consumer.
Technologies monitor, adjust production and improve production processes
In the process of developing precision agriculture, technologies such as artificial intelligence and the internet of things (IoT) play a prominent role. They are the basis for consolidating the Future farm. Also, the use of technological innovations grows exponentially to increase the productivity and Farms profitability.
Agriculture is increasingly becoming more digital and intelligent. For example, precision sprayers make it possible for farmers to identify where pesticides are needed and cover specific areas rather than the entire field – increasing profits and protecting the environment.
Drones, autonomous machines, precision equipment, the use of images for decision-making combined with artificial intelligence and the internet of things generate greater gains for agriculture.
According to Arian, CEO of DdF, "Artificial Intelligence is changing the Future Farms. Back in 2004, when people did not know what IoT is, we delivered an intelligent irrigation project and in 2006 we used AI for Fertilization. For many years, precision agriculture has largely been compartmentalized with the promise of true integration being just out of reach. Now, through the use of Big Data Technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain we can go more deeper on analyses, like the bioma, and draw all the disparate bits together into a whole that will usher in a more efficient, easier manner of growing crops and doing business through the agricultural chain."
In this way, from simple task automation to machine learning in controlling all stages of production, alternatives in the agricultural scenario tend to grow exponentially.
How blockchain-enabled process helps food chain to increase efficiency
It is still important to pay attention to the strength of solutions based on blockchain technology. This allows food traceability at all stages, from field to commercialization, reduction of waste and increase in efficiency and productivity are some of the benefits already accounted for in the most modern farms and producers on the planet. In addition to any impact on production, the end consumer is on control and knows what they are eating.
In practice, technology stimulates a real revolution, in an industry that wrote down information on paper until recently. Now, the data circulates through robust systems, with sensors, chips and code readers. Blockchain promotes a confrontation with the main problems of the sector and promotes transparency, accountability and greater centrality of the final consumer.
"It's not just about efficiency, bringing the whole story of smart and accurate production to the blockchain allows all stakeholders to co-manage the chain, which will bring more transparency and trust to consumers. It means that the consumer can really know how much chemicals are used, how sustainable the process is, avoiding waste and adding more value to production." Júlia Ramalho, Co-CEO of DdF.