Part 2 of 6
LONG-TERM BENEFITS FOR THE DEVELOPING NATIONS
We cannot refuse to appreciate the reality that computers have emerged as a vital element of our everyday living in every field. Developed societies have picked up the edge in designing customized computing solutions for producers to improve operations.
The Internet gave these farmers a priceless agent to maintain track of mineral and fertilizer supplies. Demand for labor during crop season is much easier to meet through online mediums. It has become much easier for them to gather up-to-the-minute market intelligence for their produce.
“Internet of Things” has brought to their gates a transformation. Besides so many operational and monetary advantages, it has become easier to seek immediate support from experts without them walking into the field even once.
This development cannot stay confined to the advanced nations for very long. The developing societies are advancing full speed with the modernization of their fields. Installation of custom-designed sensors with a lower range of both latency and energy use is the strength of the resulting automation. It is a matter of time before the small producers spread across the continents vie with each other in innovative farming methods.
One of the significant hurdles encountered by those farmers is the shortage of adequate research on plant genetics. Next in order is the optimum use of fertilizers, pesticides, other chemicals, and minerals.
When equipped with sophisticated knowledge of the entire field’s health, these producers will be in a more favorable situation to enhance product output. They are now better prepared than ever to rotate different crops throughout the year. Easy availability of precise information helps them maintain ideal nutrition levels at the same time.
The weather keeps playing havoc with farming everywhere, more so in the developing countries. Everything linked to farming needs insurance against the quirks of climate. Starting from proper soil conditioning to collecting the produce, its storage, and transportation to market become a pawn in adverse environments.
With the universal adoption of intelligent sensors as a stroke of luck in disguise, operators can better prepare against this attack. They can prepare for a bumper crop by following proper programs and instructions.
We can still find areas where farmers use centuries-old customs. They shudder to bring in reform for fear of giving up their assumed potential. Sometimes, it is due to lack of knowledge while in most others shortage of enough resources is the culprit.
With the advancement of “IoT,” these producers have timely information at their fingertips or in the palm of their hands via their Smart Phones in a matter of minutes. It empowers them to take greater care of their crops, the land, and the soil health. They can measure humidity, alkali content, salinity, and additional features of the farm. Necessary adjustments in water supply, fertilizer, and other fungicide applications become so much simpler for them.
The smart sensors assist the farmers to save money lost due to the absence of explicit guidelines. Measured use of vital vitamins and other treatments helps maintain robust nutritional content in the produce.
Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for crop-spraying purposes is one fine example in this direction. In areas where small farmers are unable to afford this facility, local government, cooperatives and/or other related organizations can offer the same for a nominal fee.
Easier, economical, and timely deployment of latest techniques and resources is one of the major growth opportunities ‘IoT’ offers in areas currently suffering from lack thereof. Once proper attention and care capabilities are made available to the farmers, many of the food grains, greens, and fruit will not just look better, it shall also earn higher revenue. This change contributes to prosperity by lowered cost, improved output, and increased return.
Reduced dependence on pesticides encourages the higher propagation of seeds with lower adverse effect on the pollinating bees and birds.
Less chemical treatment in plants translates to cleaner air quality that culminates in improved living conditions and more conducive weather systems.
Each small move in the proper way by “IoT” enabled farming shall serve both primary and ancillary benefits difficult to assess by any other methods.
Please follow the trends in Part 3 of 6