The implementation of projects in accordance with programs related to smart agriculture is a breakthrough in this industry. Based on the findings proposed by Chalimov (2020), due to IoT tools, farmers worldwide can optimize their operations by implementing advanced yield control systems, thereby minimizing costs and increasing product quality and growth rates. The variety of sensors utilized in this area makes it possible to address numerous tasks of managing available resources without human intervention. Distinctive in their type, devices allow for tracking any electrochemical, mechanical, optical, and other changes, thereby signaling the necessary measures to be taken to optimize control (“List of agriculture sensors,” n.d.). Despite some barriers, such as the need to provide stable Internet access or the inability to maintain service for these sensors, their application is cheap, and the installation and use do not require special skills (“List of agriculture sensors,” n.d.). Therefore, IoT in agriculture is a promising direction, designed to reduce costs and, at the same time, help people increase their yields.
Due to the importance of this innovation, the federal government should fund such programs through appropriate grants. As Tzounis et al. (2017) note, many countries are concerned about the availability of agricultural commodities. Given “consumers’ demand for transparency in the production cycle and the environmental footprint of the products they buy,” governments encourage the development of this industry (Tzounis et al., 2017, p. 43). Particular attention should be paid to small farms that experience a decline in incomes due to the monopolization of the market by large agricultural holdings (“What is IoT in agriculture?” 2018). From an environmental impact perspective, IoT sensors also have value. According to Chalimov (2020), farmers can control such indicators as soil contamination, the proportion of harmful substances in the air, the level of water pollution, and many other characteristics that are crucial to address timely. By assisting other countries unable to implement IoT projects in agriculture due to underdeveloped digital infrastructure, the US can help solve such pressing problems as hunger or climate change. Therefore, relevant initiatives to support these activities are the government’s justified moral right.
Given the aforementioned factors, one can argue that IoT in agriculture is not only an innovation but also a relevant practical solution. Addressing multiple yield monitoring tasks and environmental issues, special sensors significantly simplify farmers’ work. Due to the continuous increase in the population of the planet, such tools should be popularized everywhere, and both large and small farms should be encouraged to introduce appropriate devices.
References
Chalimov, A. (2020). IoT in agriculture: 8 technology use cases for smart farming (and challenges to consider). Eastern Peak. Web.
List of agriculture sensors, advantages of agriculture sensors. (n.d.). RF Wireless World. Web.
Tzounis, A., Katsoulas, N., Bartzanas, T., & Kittas, C. (2017). Internet of Things in agriculture, recent advances and future challenges. Biosystems Engineering, 164, 31-48.
What is IoT in agriculture? Farmers aren’t quite sure despite $4bn US opportunity – Report. (2018). AgFunder News. Web.