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Agri-Tech: Will it Meet Our Mounting Agricultural Needs to Feed Our Growing Population?



The United Nations Population Division has predicted we will hit 10 billion people on planet earth by the time we reach 2058. We’re currently sitting at an estimated 8 billion people, a jump of 2 billion within 34 years is a staggering amount when you try to visualise it. This population increase will demand infrastructure expansion for human institutions, educational institutions, employment opportunities, travel infrastructure, and most importantly agricultural expansion. We’re already using 70% of the planets usable water for agriculture. How are we to sustain this rate for 34 more years if our population is to keep growing?


This is where agri-tech is going to become a saving grace for us. The advancement in technology we’re already seeing will enable us to produce more food, with fewer resources, in new and intriguing ways.


As we navigate through the rapid advancements in agricultural technology, it's clear that these innovations are not just beneficial but essential for sustaining our future. Here, we will explore some of the most promising developments in agri-tech: vertical farming, smart irrigation systems, and the use of insect protein for livestock feed. We'll also consider the economic implications and the importance of making these technologies accessible to farmers worldwide, especially in developing nations.


Vertical Farming

One of the most exciting developments in agri-tech is vertical farming. This method involves growing crops in stacked layers, often in controlled indoor environments. Vertical farming offers several advantages over traditional farming methods. For one, it significantly reduces the need for arable land. As urban areas expand and arable land becomes scarcer, vertical farming provides a solution by utilising vertical space in urban environments.


Moreover, vertical farms use up to 95% less water than traditional farming methods. This reduction is achieved through hydroponic and aeroponic systems, which deliver water and nutrients directly to the plants' roots, minimising waste. The controlled environment of vertical farms also means crops are not exposed to pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides. As our world is slowly heating up and tropical locations are experiencing the effects on their crops, vertical farming is becoming a more viable solution for them.


In Asia, the countries leading the charge with vertical farming are China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Over here in Europe where we don’t quite experience the harsh climates, countries such The Netherlands, Germany, France and the UK.


While the initial setup costs for vertical farms can be high, the long-term benefits, such as higher yields and reduced resource consumption, make it a worthwhile investment. Companies like AeroFarms and Plenty are already demonstrating the potential of this technology, producing fresh, high-quality produce in urban areas.


Smart Irrigation Systems

Water scarcity is a pressing concern, especially with agriculture consuming 70% of the planet's usable water. Smart irrigation systems are a game-changer in this regard. These systems use sensors, data analytics, and automated technologies to optimise water use, ensuring crops receive the precise amount of water they need at the right time.


For instance, soil moisture sensors can provide real-time data on soil conditions, allowing farmers to irrigate only when necessary. Additionally, weather forecasting tools can predict rainfall, enabling farmers to adjust their irrigation schedules accordingly. This precision watering not only conserves water but also enhances crop yields by maintaining optimal growing conditions.


Companies like Netafim and Rain Bird are at the forefront of developing smart irrigation technologies. These systems are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, making them viable options for farmers in both developed and developing countries. However, further efforts are needed to ensure that small-scale farmers, particularly in water-scarce regions, can adopt these technologies due to the cost demands.


Using Insect Protein as a Sustainable Feed Source

Another innovative solution in agri-tech is the use of insect protein for livestock feed. As the demand for meat and dairy products increases, so does the need for animal feed. Traditional sources of animal feed, such as soy and fishmeal, are resource-intensive and contribute to environmental degradation.


Insect protein offers a sustainable alternative. Insects such as black soldier flies and mealworms can be reared on organic waste, converting it into high-quality protein. This not only reduces waste but also provides a nutritious feed source for livestock. Insects are highly efficient at converting feed into protein, requiring significantly less land, water, and energy than traditional livestock.


Companies such as Flybox and Ynsect are leading the way in insect protein production. Ynsect for instance are even producing a range of products for human consumption due to how nutrient dense mealworms are, will this become a regular on the shelves soon? While the concept might take some getting used to, the environmental and economic benefits are undeniable. Insect protein could play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for animal feed in a sustainable manner.


Success Factors for Agri-Tech to Meet Our Growing Demands

To ensure that agri-tech can meet the food demands of the future, several critical success factors must be considered:


Innovation and Research

Continued investment in research and development is crucial. This includes not only improving existing technologies but also discovering new methods and solutions. Governments, private companies, and academic institutions need to collaborate to drive innovation forward. In February this year at an NFU(National Farmers Union) conference the UK government announced a new £220m fund for technology in agricultural development, which is strictly limited to England. This funding is for both innovation and technology schemes in this sector.


Affordability and Accessibility

Making agri-tech affordable and accessible to all farmers, particularly in developing countries, is essential. This can be achieved through subsidies, financial incentives, and international aid. Technology transfer initiatives can help disseminate knowledge and tools to regions that need them most. A report released by Disrupt-Africa in 2019 showed that from 2016-2019 over $19million has been invested in the agri-tech sector in Africa alone.


Education and Training

Farmers must be educated and trained to use new technologies effectively. Extension services, workshops, and online platforms can provide the necessary support. Building local capacity is vital to ensure that technologies are not only adopted but also maintained and utilised to their full potential.


Infrastructure Development

Adequate infrastructure, such as reliable internet access, electricity, and transportation networks, is necessary to support the implementation of agri-tech solutions. Governments and private sectors must invest in rural infrastructure to enable technological adoption. One issue plaguing Africa is their ability to access these technologies. In this 2021 report from Ibrahim Foundation they found in sub-Saharan Africa, 89% of learners don’t have access to home computers. 20 million live in areas without mobile access and 82% lack internet access as a whole. This proves a significant barrier to entry for these developing countries if they are to embrace agricultural technologies to meet food demands.


Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

Agri-tech innovations should align with sustainability goals. Technologies must be developed and deployed in ways that minimise environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and promote biodiversity. Sustainable practices should be integral to the agri-tech agenda.


Economic Considerations and Global Accessibility

While the advancements in agri-tech are promising, their widespread adoption hinges on economic feasibility. The high initial costs of technologies like vertical farming and smart irrigation systems can be a barrier, especially for small-scale farmers in developing countries.

To address this, we need to focus on making these technologies more affordable and accessible. This could involve government subsidies, public-private partnerships, and investment in research and development to drive down costs. Additionally, training and education programmes are essential to help farmers understand and implement these new technologies effectively.


Conclusion

As our global population continues to grow, the pressure on our agricultural systems will only intensify. Agri-tech stands as a saving grace, providing innovative solutions to produce more food with fewer resources. Vertical farming, smart irrigation systems, and insect protein for livestock feed are just a few examples of how technology can revolutionise agriculture.


If you are looking to enter into the agri-tech sector to bring your innovations to the world and need support on this journey, please do not hesitate to contact us on info@fyto.org. If your needs encompass prototyping, R&D, electronic design or 3D printing, we can be of assistance.

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