Profitability for producers and demand for food place agriculture in the digital era

The requirement to produce food for 9,8 billion people by 2050 and still maintain profitability in the process places agriculture within the digital era. Resources such as Big data, which provides diverse data and information analyzed in real time, have taken food production to a new level, in which the focus is on better use of natural resources and greater productivity through these technological tools.

Big Data, artificial intelligence, the internet of things and other agriculture 4.0 tools, which seek continuous improvements at all points of the crop production process, were analyzed during One: Alltech Ideas Symposium (ONE19). The event was held between May 19th and 21st, in the city of Lexington (KY), in the United States.

For the national technical manager of Alltech Crop Science, Leonardo Porpino, for agricultural production to remain economically stable worldwide, it is necessary to seek the help of these tools, given that only 45% of the productive potential is used, on average, in each crop. “We are talking about the use of environmental data collection stations and rapid response laboratory analyses, all the information composing a database that, when correlated, feeds a database platform, which in turn, assists in decision making and control electronic equipment linked to agricultural equipment”.

Off-field production

Within this need for agriculture to serve a population numbering in the billions, it is also important to look at where these foods are grown. Will only green areas be sufficient for this purpose? Therefore, observing new areas for production is fundamental, with research being an important ally for this purpose. On the topic, ONE19 received experts who discussed planting in zero gravity, conditions found in outer space.

“Knowledge is the basis of evolution and life, studying hypotheses is the main purpose of experimentation, through the answers found we can follow the path to be followed. We can say, at this moment, that these studies will bring the answer to the development of the agricultural sector in the world”, explains Porpino.

Another important question to be asked by the sector is to analyze how different spheres of society have impacted the environment, generating changes across the planet. “When we talk about global warming we have to evaluate urban advancement, which modifies natural spaces and adds cement. Also look at industry when it is unable to utilize and reuse its waste, in addition to agriculture itself. Regardless of which area, they all modify the natural environment. Therefore, we have to reflect on how to do and think about these businesses”, concludes Porpino.