Evolution of Agriculture Technology: Assimilation of Biotechnology and Food Technology for Smart and Sustainable Agriculture
摘要
From ancient times, the use of hand tools like sickles, hoes, and wooden ploughs, to machineries involving tractors, seed drills, and threshers, as well as the shift from shifting cultivation to vertical and hydroponic farming, the agriculture sector has transformed into a modern, efficient, and sustainable industry. According to reports of the UN, the global population is currently increasing at a rate of approximately 0.85% per year, which translates to around 70 million people added annually. There is a constraint on agricultural production to keep pace with expanding global populations while avoiding the overexploitation of essential natural resources. The integration of biotechnology in the late twentieth century enabled genetically modified crops by enhancing traits. Concurrently, food technology assures processing innovation by modifying post-harvest preservation, enhancing nutritional quality, and reducing food loss. This book chapter discusses the integration of all relevant activities, such as sowing, harvesting, packaging, shipping, and new technologies available to farmers throughout the cropping cycle. This chapter also goes over the usage of other tools, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), for agricultural monitoring and other helpful acts, such as crop yield optimization. Furthermore, advanced IoT programs are discussed. Furthermore, our research identified new prospects for IoT devices, which are crucial tools for sustainable agriculture.