Advancing sustainability: The impact of emerging technologies in agriculture

Abstract

The need to ensure food security and promote environmental sustainability has led to a transformative period in agriculture. This period is characterized by the use of novel technology, which provides solutions that effectively address ecological concerns while also ensuring economic viability. Emerging technologies, such as precision farming enabled by drones, sensor-based monitoring systems and genetic editing techniques that result in drought-resistant crops, are significantly changing the agricultural sector. The integration of data analytics and machine learning algorithms is transforming supply chain management and enhancing the capabilities of predictive analytics in the context of crop diseases. Technological interventions serve to optimize efficiency and minimize the adverse ecological effects associated with farming, promoting the goals of sustainable agriculture. However, it is important to carefully address ethical and socio-economic considerations, including accessibility and data privacy, to manage these effects effectively. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the contributions of emerging technology to sustainable agriculture, evaluate its constraints, and suggest a comprehensive framework for its ethical and equitable integration. Communication technology has also impacted the agricultural sector, particularly with the increased use of connected devices. Artificial intelligence and deep learning advancements make processing collected data faster and more efficient, leading to more sustainable agricultural production using free, open-source software and sensor technology solutions. This technology enhances land optimization and boosts agricultural productivity, making sustainable farming practices more viable for both large and small-scale farmers. Our bibliometric analysis indicates a notable increase in interest in integrating sustainable agricultural methods with new technologies, particularly since 2018. It also revealed a strong link between precision agriculture, smart farming, machine learning, and the Internet of Things. However, awareness of technology is not very prevalent in the Asian region, especially among small-scale farmers. As a result, excessive usage of agricultural resources and wastage bring many adverse repercussions, and it's a high constraint to sustainable agricultural practices in the region.