Automation in agricultural equipment and technology

 Automation in agricultural equipment and technology

The time has come to pay attention to the preservation of food with the current population explosion. Even in Sri Lanka, a developing country, there is a necessity to pay attention to this issue. In order to provide food for the increasing population. Thus, efficient agricultural methods should be used to face the constant challenges posed by unfavourable weather conditions. The need to preserve food has been further emphasized by the recent pandemic of COVID 19. The modern technology has enabled to solve many of the current agricultural problems by investing new agricultural equipment. They have helped to increase crop yields. The foundation for the modern technology was laid by the green revolution. Which occurred in 1960s. The use of hybrid seeds, fertilizers and pesticides has increased the efficiency of the agricultural industry.

In the recent past new agricultural inventions have been made throughout the world. This has resulted in a speedy development in the field of agriculture. The countries such as India, Brazil and Israel have made much headway in technological advancement. Today in many countries Internet of things (IOT), Variable rate technology (VRT) and Drone technologies are being used in agriculture, thereby facilitating cultivation activities. Although, drone technology is not being used in Sri Lanka. It is being used very successfully in many other countries in the world. Similarly, variable rate technology (VRT) , Global positioning system (GPS) and sattelite technologies are being used for receiving geographical information quickly.

The use of agricultural equipment ranging from micro equipment to macro internet equipment has brought about a completely productive change in the global agriculture. As a result of innovations. Since the resources for agricultural production are limited and the demands for agricultural products are high, Smart Agricultural methods have been created for stepping up food production. The use of these technology has enabled to observe, measure, respond to requirements in the field of agriculture and correctly determine the quantity of water, fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides used for crops.

New inventions such as Internet of things (IOT), Artificial interlligent (AI), drone technology and robbots have immensely contributed towards increasing agricultural productivity. At present mobile phones, computers and electronic equipment are being used to collect and communicate information throughout the world. The information about agriculture gathered through sensors is transferred to the other devices and systems over the internet. The Internet of things (IOT) analyses data on nutrients in the soil, moisture, pests and other conditions on farms. Drone and robbot technology is prevalent on a multi-purpose technology.

Analysis of soil, plantation inputs and supervision, conditions of crops are done by drone technology. Similarly, Drone technology reduces time consumption, labour and the utilization of resources. In addition to that, robbots are used for weeding, ground preparation, supplying inputs and collecting yields. Furthermore, unmenned tractors are used in agricultural activities. Moreover, nano technology is also used in activities connected with agriculture. Nano capsules and nano particles are used as fertilizers through water supply. This increases the absorption of plant nutrients, thereby supporting plant growth and development. This also minimizes the use of fertilizers and environmental pollution. Accordingly, a high yield can be obtained by the efficient use of resources.

In Sri Lanka the use of modern agricultural equipment among farmers and agro-industries is at a low level. However, in Sri Lanka, ICT and mobile platforms and software programmes have been started in order to promote the use of modern agricultural technology. The Department of Agriculture in conjunction with private companies has started providing agricultural services, for example “wikigoviya” web site ‘Bogapurokathanaya”, “SL paddy fertilizers” and “Govipola”. Apart from these the SLINTC has iniated research on agricultural activities. At the sametime, private institutions have started obtaining information on drone technology and smart agricultural methods. for example, (Weatherguru).

Overall, the use of modern agricultural technology and equipment has brought about significant changes in the field of agriculture. Accordingly, it is essential that modern agricultural equipment should be used in order to step up food production to meet the food requirements of the rising population.