It is predicted that the world population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050. The expected increase will require a 70% increase in calories needed for global consumption.
The growing population is not the only pressure on the agriculture industry. Environmental issues, animal welfare, and rising living costs are also under pressure.
While there are multiple pressures, Agri-tech advancements are providing answers to issues across the industry.
At Zero Global, we have put together our top five emerging Agri-tech trends that we believe will change the agricultural industry for the better.
Indoor vertical farming
With the continued urbanisation of land, finding different ways to grow crops is becoming essential to provide the food needed in the future. The technological advance of vertical farming enables control over every aspect of growing crops. For example, the precision of light, water, and humidity can be measured year-round. The technology used can also dramatically decrease labour costs.
The farming labour shortage has been a continued issue for the industry, and vertical farming helps elevate this issue by using robotics for harvesting, planting, and logistics. As well as labour cost reductions, it has also proven to reduce water needs by 70%, making it more environmentally friendly and enabling crop growth in drought-prone areas.
Bee Vectoring
Bees are essential to the planet's survival, which is why they need to be protected. Bee vectoring uses commercially raised bees through scientifically crafted hives, which allow bees to collect pest control powders on their legs, which can pass onto crops.
This environmentally friendly solution replaces the need for chemical pesticides, which reduces damage to the countryside and crops. Using Bee vectoring also reduces the energy used and lowers the operational costs of crop management.
Smart Crop Management
Using drones, sensors, and other internet-connective technologies allows farmers to monitor their crops with real-time data daily. Tracking temperature, rainfall, soil condition, and produce quality is helping farmers make adjustments as needed to farm effectively and at a lower cost while also reducing the use of harmful chemicals through understanding conditions and needs.
AI Livestock Management
There are some different technologies which are helping improve the welfare of animal farming. AI can be used for better management through automation to adjust barn ventilation or heating by monitoring the health and well-being of the animals through body sensors. Automation can also be used to create self-managed feeding so that livestock are being fed what they need when needed, reducing waste while also maintaining the health of the animals.
Water Management Technology
With the current climate issues, Water aid predicts that between 24 and 700 million people could be affected by water scarcity within eight years (2030). As a result, water saving and water management are quickly becoming a priority. Technological developments and solutions such as micro drip irrigation can reduce water usage by 50% while maintaining crop growth.
The importance of Agri-tech to sustain and grow with the needs of the agricultural industry continues to grow.
We work with Agri-tech companies who are looking for the talent they need in order so they can fulfil their purpose and create a better, more sustainable world for us all.
If you are looking for a dedicated talent provider, get in touch.