The United Nations says farmers need to grow 70% more food by 2050 to feed 9.1 billion people. But they face big challenges like climate change, unpredictable weather, and less biodiversity.
AI Helps Farmers Adapt
Farmers are using new tools like AI and robots to grow crops with fewer resources like water, energy, and chemicals. In the U.S., farmers use AI to plan for climate change. In Italy, digital tools help save water. In Poland, one company uses AI to reduce food waste by predicting how much farmers need to grow.
What Is Crop Yield?
Crop yield is the amount of food grown on a piece of land. It shows how well a farmer is doing. Good crop yields are important to make sure there is enough food and to improve people’s lives.
How to Improve Crop Yields
Farmers have used crop rotation for centuries to improve soil and reduce pests. Now, they also use:
- Drones for aerial photos of fields.
- Soil sensors to check water levels.
- Data platforms to track crop growth.
- Satellite images to decide where to plant and water.
Farmers are also trying new methods like vertical farming and hydroponics, where plants grow without soil.
Weather Still a Big Challenge
Even with technology, missing one rain shower can hurt an entire season. AI tools help farmers get better weather forecasts and make smarter decisions.
Challenges of Digital Farming
Many small farmers, especially in developing countries, can’t afford high-tech tools. They may also lack internet or electricity and need help learning how to use new technologies.
Farmtopia: Helping Small Farms
In Europe, most farms are small. The EU launched Farmtopia to help over 64,000 small farmers get access to digital tools and training. This project connects farmers, scientists, and technology experts to find solutions that fit small farms.
A Community Effort
Experts agree that farmers, businesses, scientists, and governments must work together to create farming solutions that are affordable, easy to use, and tailored to local needs. Open-source technologies and community-driven designs can help make these solutions better and more accessible.
Source: euractiv
