The Next Generation of Farming and the Importance of Artificial Intelligence, Sensor Technology, and Big Data

Modern farming has advanced as a result of technological innovations like tillage and harvesting machines, controlled irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides, crop breeding, genetic research, and biotechnological tools for trait improvement. With the help of these advancements, a vast quantity of high-quality crops that are good for people are being cultivated. However, many soils and environmental conditions have not been optimally utilized to produce the highest possible yield, which is essential if we are to feed the world’s rapidly expanding population. Reports indicate that huge amounts are lost as a result of improper postharvest management as the harvest is not tracked or stored. The use of modern technology has allowed for the development of more efficient and accurate methods for handling the harvest’s aftermath. “Smart farming” describes the practice of using cutting-edge technological tools to increase crop production and quality. For instance, the idea of site-specific crop management, which keeps an eye on the variability of fields and crops, precise agricultural data, etc. Using modern farming methods, growers can spray their crops with chemicals only when necessary. Such estimations could be achieved through the integration of suitable electronic devices/sensors in the soil, environment, or crops and the application of data acquisition. This information can be used to optimize crop production and harvest and storage operations. Constructing well-informed decisions and utilizing sensors to improve and establish the quality of various horticultural products, including fruits, are urgent needs of the current generation. Data acquisition and other forms of “smart farming” have recently been used to estimate fruit quality and identify defects. As a result, AI offers helpful, evidence-based strategies. The use of such a method(s) could aid in the preservation of agricultural field crops and perishable produce.