3 key problems in farming that will affect everyone

The world’s population is only going in one direction, especially as more developing nations gain access to better healthcare and nutritious foods. By gaining access to higher quality food, these countries could become victims of their own success. Food availability lowers unnecessary deaths, which can lead to food scarcity as the population grows. This is going to dramatically increase strain on the agricultural sector to provide enough food to meet the demands. 

How do we feed the growing population? 

With the world’s population estimated to reach near 10 billion by 2050, there is a growing concern about how to feed everyone. This problem is further compounded by the fact that arable land is becoming scarce due to urbanisation, soil degradation, and climate change. Traditional farming methods are not sufficient to meet the demands of a growing population. Which means there is an urgent need to find sustainable and innovative ways to increase food production. One solution is precision farming, which uses technology to optimise crop yields and reduce waste. It involves analysing data from various sources, such as soil sensors and weather forecasts, to make informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and fertilisation. Other solutions include vertical farming, which usually adopts hydroponics and aquaponics, can be used in urban agriculture, designed to take advantage of indoor or vertical spaces to grow crops in a controlled environment. 

What is the extent agriculture effects global greenhouse gas emissions? 

Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 10% of global emissions. This is mainly due to the use of fertilisers, livestock production, and land-use change. Fertilisers release nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, while livestock emit methane during digestion. Land-use change, such as deforestation and conversion of grasslands to croplands, also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions by releasing carbon stored in trees and soil. As the demand for food increases, the pressure on agriculture to reduce its emissions will only intensify. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt sustainable farming practices that reduce emissions and sequester carbon in the soil. Some of these practices include conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and rotational grazing. 

Why are farmers and growers not adopting new technologies? 

Even with the numerous technological advancements in agriculture, some farmers and growers are hesitant to adopt them. One, if not the main reason, is the high cost of these technologies. The technology outprices itself with the small-scale farmers. Not only could they be too expensive; certain places in the world will also lack access to these technologies, especially in developing countries. There is also a contingent of farmers who are simply resistant to change and prefer to stick to traditional farming methods. Governments need to focus on encouraging the adoption of new technologies, by addressing the large financial burden and provide financial incentives. These can be in the form of grants that cover a percentage of the initial cost or offering a carbon reduction bonus.