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.