Enhancing resilience in specialty crop production in a changing climate through smart systems adoption

Abstract

Climate change critically impacts agriculture, particularly specialty crop production. This paper examines the effects on high-value fruits, nuts, and herbs, emphasizing challenges in rural and developing areas. Specialty crops are susceptible to climatic variations, affecting their yield, quality, and economic viability. Changing temperature and precipitation patterns and increased pest and disease prevalence pose significant threats, leading to potential food security and economic stability issues. Integrating smart systems, such as precision agriculture and sensor technologies, offers viable solutions to mitigate these impacts. These systems enable real-time monitoring and adjustment of environmental conditions, optimizing resource usage and enhancing crop management practices. This paper highlights the importance of building resilience through innovative farming techniques, sustainable practices, and robust research. Adopting these strategies helps farmers protecting their crops against the adverse effects of climate change, ensuring long-term productivity and economic stability.