Smart farming refers to managing farms using modern ICT to increase the quantity and quality of products while optimising the human labour required.
Crop scientists, agricultural technologists and data scientists are hopeful that the incorporation of modern Information and Communication Technology into farming will ensure food sufficiency across the country.
Among the digital technologies available for present-day farmers are sensors to measure soil, water, light, humidity, and temperature; specialised software solutions that target specific farm types or applications; Internet of Things; connectivity for cellular and LoRa (a physical proprietary radio communication technique); Global Positioning System, satellite, robotics, autonomous tractors, and processing facilities.
An agrotech expert, Femi Adekoya, said the integration of agriculture with digital technology will optimise production and minimise risks that could threaten food sufficiency.
Adekoya said, “The role of technology is to make our lives better and improve efficiency and productivity. One of the ways tech will transform agriculture is through the use of drone technology. It can be deployed to engage in certain activities such as the application of chemicals such as herbicides instead of traditionally applying them through traditional knapsack sprayers, which are not fast or efficient enough.”
