Data-Driven Agriculture in the Agriculture and Food Value Chain
Data-Powered Farming; Revolutionizing Emerging Markets
In a data-driven world, I have witnessed businesses and organizations experiencing the transformative power of data-driven strategies, integrating emerging technologies, particularly in mission-driven industries based on artificial intelligence, geospatial technology, and agri-tech technologies.
I firmly believe data technology is the key to addressing the challenges some of today's agriculture sectors face with data-driven platforms, such as yield prediction tools, which I will discuss later.
The synergy between data and agriculture is undeniable. It has the potential to enhance crop value, optimize resource allocation, and foster sustainability.
The growing global population and increasing demand for food regurgitated with climate challenges. Food production must surge as the world's population swells to meet demand. Yet, the agriculture sector faces multifaceted challenges, including resource scarcity, extreme weather events, and the growing complexity of global supply chains.
In the face of these challenges, the need for data-driven technology in agriculture is more apparent than ever.
Why Data Tech Matters
The synergy between data and agriculture is undeniable. Through data technology,
We can increase crop value,
Optimize resource allocation and
Drive sustainable agricultural practices.
Data-driven platforms, like yield prediction tools, can pave the way for strategic decisions and better outcomes.
The Current Agricultural Landscape and Why it's Not Working
Despite numerous advances, the agricultural sector needs to improve its efficiency, marked by
Underutilization of technology,
Fragmented data systems and
A shortage of innovation.
Many existing systems in agriculture still rely on outdated methods, making it clear that technology has yet to reach its full potential.
Agriculture faces challenges in digital and/or data technology adoption due to varying skills and generational disparities.
Farmers and advisors may need more essential skills and understanding of digital tools, yet it's more than just a matter of technical know-how.
Many tools require familiarity with social media and trust in their possibilities. Even high-tech tools need farmers to comprehend their functions so they can effectively manage them. This understanding is crucial for accepting recommendations and fostering trust in technology.
Why Data Technology is Crucial in Agriculture Digitization
Think of it as - "The increased capacity to capture, manage and draw insights from data has the potential to disrupt the organization of the agriculture and food system, from influencing the supply and use of inputs in agriculture as well as the way agricultural products are supplied and valued downstream in the value chain."
The agricultural digital transformation potentially supports:
Improved agriculture productivity and sustainability.
Better risk management, including adapting to or mitigating climate change impacts.
Improved access to markets and business management.
Improved management of administrative processes.
Identifying the Gray Zone and what we need to do
Within the agricultural data value chain landscape lies a significant gray zone where data-driven technology can revolutionize the industry.
From my experience, and every time I interact as a data tech expert who transitioned from agriculture practices, I realize the missing link -
bridging the gap between data experts and agricultural specialists
to maximize the potential for crop value enhancement and efficiency improvement.
A deliberate move demands the need for diverting resources and investments in the agriculture value chain - we should understand that farm level varies enormously depending on the type of services required, which in turn depends on the type of production system and farm:
For example, sizeable extensive farm producers have different constraints and needs than hydroponics fruit and vegetable producers or subsistence farmers/small-scale farmers.
Regardless, all can benefit from new innovative services.
Two core areas where we can invest our resources are technologies made on-farm or by service providers. The main reason farmers use digital technologies is that these technologies reduce costs or answer a new need in a changing environment. The data value chain that extends to increase capacity benefits both the agriculture sector itself and the upstream and downstream sectors.
The second is that Off-farm drivers for the digitalization of agriculture stem from various sources, including increased consumer demand for agri-food product information and the necessity to adopt on-farm technology to remain competitive in global value chains.
However, it requires a drive for value chain management and trade requirements. Digital technologies enable the creation of a "data cycle" from farm to fork, facilitating traceability and optimizing trade regulation management, mainly through paperless trade systems. Automatic online recording of farm data plays a crucial role in customs processes, expediting border clearance, expanding market access for agricultural producers, and reducing trade costs.
Another drive is the influence of consumer demand and government agricultural policies. Enhanced information and accessibility generate new sources of value tied to reputation and responsiveness to consumer preferences.
Food safety ranks high among quality attributes for consumers. Data technologies, particularly blockchain, are being explored by the food industry to maintain secure digital records and enhance traceability. Reimagination of data management across a network encompassing farmers, distributors, processors, retailers, regulators, and consumers. Among the benefits is quickening the investigation of food-borne illnesses from weeks to seconds. Moreover, opportunities exist to leverage other quality attributes beyond food safety to create niche markets.
Here is the question
Is there a system in place that identifies and connects value chain gaps, highlighting areas requiring significant investment?
Addressing the Gray Zone
Bolstering the agricultural sector with data-driven technology requires a focused approach.
We must pinpoint areas where innovation is most needed, such as mapping out the agricultural tech - plant phenotyping, telematics, and satellite data integration that would significantly impact the value chain with great benefit to the community and key stakeholders, especially grassroots who are fully involved in production.
We need to connect/integrate/Innovate/Go beyond to add value; considering combining these technologies along the agricultural value chain, we can bring valuable insights and make informed decisions. For instance, integrating yield detection for a seller of crops.
Last words
The journey to revamp the agriculture sector with data-driven technology is rife with challenges but laden with massive opportunities. Rampant increased resources are inevitably required in innovation and fostering collaboration between data experts and agricultural specialists. I firmly believe data technology is the key to addressing the challenges some of today's agriculture sectors face.