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Agri Scientist

Modern Agriculture

Agriculture is a process in which the success of the process depends on the use of technology, access to resources, management, investment, characteristics of markets and support available at the government level.

This type of practice allows for better control over factors that interfere with the farming process of agricultural crops and animals.

However, to keep the soil fertile with an amount of essential nutrients and proper irrigation, it can be achieved with the help of technology and the appropriate machinery.

Broadly speaking, the global demand for food represents a real challenge, as the middle-class population in developed countries earns better incomes and consequently this type of activity is compatible with subsistence agriculture, which is reluctant to disappear in some areas. Some studies estimate that between 2010 and 2050, the population of developed countries will need to double the amount of agricultural production. As a result, it will be necessary to increase production requirements, which will lead to delays, increasing food prices. The new technologies adopted for crop growth have brought with them several elements, among which we can mention: different types of high-yielding seeds, proper irrigation methods, fertilizers, pesticides, sowing of different types of crops. At the same time, known as crop rotation, etc.

High yield seeds

This type of seed is identified as HYV seed for its abbreviation in English, they have their own characteristics that enable them to make better use of irrigation water, nutrients. The amount of product obtained per sowing area is higher than conventional seed.

However, they are very delicate and to get the desired results, special care must be taken with them because any change in crop management results in reducing yield and productivity without achieving a successful harvest..

Irrigation Methods

It is known that water is essential for the growth of crops, hence it is called the life blood of agriculture.

Water plays a decisive role in the cropping pattern, crop combinations, cropping intensity and extent of land sown and the development of seasonal rhythms for each crop. Therefore, it should also be kept in mind that without adequate irrigation it is not possible to use high yielding seeds, nor can they be fertilized properly.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers are an important component of modern agriculture. With them, you can increase the productivity of high-yielding seed crops. 

Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests. However, many of them contaminate crops, causing health problems. In modern agriculture, farmers are adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a sustainable alternative to the use of pesticides. This type of management allows incorporating a series of techniques to control pests that attack crops but with less damage to the environment. An example of this practice is pest-resistant crops. Planting is the use of biological control with insects that feed on them, among others destroying the places where they nest. Thus the use of chemical insecticides is a last resort.

Crop rotation

Crop rotation allows different crops to be sown in the same place, thus giving the soil the opportunity to recover the nutrients that were removed by the previous crop. This technique is considered the most powerful in modern agriculture, because it avoids the consequences of the same crop being sown in the same year in the same year. There will be sufficient food for growth and development. An example of crop rotation used by some farmers is planting soybeans and other legumes. Thanks to this practice, farmers have been able to change the nutrients in the soil, so next season, in the same place, which already has enough nutrients, they will leave the smell of corn.

Livestock farming

Modern agriculture and livestock farming are interdependent and they are part of the precious resources that the earth has to offer. Each plant or animal has a specific role in this process. Some studies have determined that 3 to 10 kilograms of grain are needed to produce one kilogram of meat. In this sense, most farmers raise livestock to feed their livestock or to sell in an increasingly competitive market.

But in order to achieve a balance between efficiency levels, food stability and environmental protection, it is necessary to have suitable incentives that encourage the practice of livestock. One element of this incentive is biological knowledge and agricultural practices that are applicable to different types of ecosystems, terrains, soils and different types of aid. Although it is difficult to overcome many problems caused by livestock farming, but with the right incentives it is possible to increase the benefits of agricultural production to society. For this reason, offices or ministries of agriculture. And for the integrated participation of the environment, the development of a common goal is necessary, which allows the achievement of sustainable development by addressing the concerns of both entities in relation to land use and management. 

However, it should be kept in mind that without adequate investment, compromises in crop production as well as environmental protection may be insufficient to achieve the transition to sustainable agriculture۔

Machinery

It is a factor of great importance in modern agriculture, because like the above mentioned aspects, without them, the development of a good agricultural process is not possible. Access to modern machinery and technology is determining the success factors of modern agriculture. Soil preparation, irrigation, sowing of seeds, harvesting, fertilization and pest control, each of these activities require the participation of modern machinery to ensure the success of the process

Technology

Agricultural technology is considered to be a very influential and revolutionary area of the field because it focuses on achieving sufficient food production to meet the growing population demand. However, it should not be forgotten that technology evolves rapidly. Modern farmers can do better than what their ancestors did. Technology has changed the way machines work, the use of computer systems, global positioning systems (GPS), automated management programs, reducing fuel consumption, wastage of seeds and fertilizers. Decrease occurs.

Pathway to sustainable agriculture

Modern agriculture allows farmers to plan their goals while keeping in mind the sustainability of their practice. This means conserving and protecting natural resources, providing food and fuel to a growing population, and being financially viable for all producers and consumers.

However, all of these depend on the proper management of each of the elements involved in a modern agricultural system. If any of them fail, it will not be possible to achieve the desired yield or productivity and as a result the quality and quantity of feed available will decrease. Investments in agricultural research, development and extension are necessary to succeed in this task, as well as the implementation of better goods and services and process improvements, which are derived from research. Action must be involved and will result in incentives for those who take the risk of innovation. As a final piece of information, the United Nations Organization for Agriculture indicates that world agriculture has been able to meet food demand over the past half century. However, productivity growth depends on good management of the resources available to it.