How Data is helping transform the Agriculture sector

Technology has pioneered many digital transformations across the world, including e-commerce, healthcare, transportation and more recently agriculture. Rapid developments in data science and its solutions are propelling the industry forward.
Historically the agricultural sector has relied mostly on traditional farming methods which are more labour and resource intensive. Current innovations through data analytics, the adoption of smart technologies and cloud computing is shifting farming and its management to a more efficient, enhanced yield and productivity-based system ultimately driving higher profitability while consuming fewer resources.

Below are some of the ways that data analytics is causing a shift in the Agricultural sector.

Development of stronger seeds.
Unfavourable climate conditions can lead to poor harvests and a decrease in soil fertility. Using data gathered from previous cycles, scientists have been able to derive seeds that can survive any climate, temperature and soil conditions.

Response to changes in weather patterns:
Presently major parts of the world are under the global threat of climate change,  and the impact on agriculture is one of the most significant. With access to Satellite imagery and accurate forecasts, farmers can be better prepared for unusual or severe weather and navigate shifts in environmental conditions. The predictive capabilities of data give farmers  the ability to maximize on opportunities and conserve their resources.

Identifying and preventing disease:
One of the major risks in farming and agriculture is pest infestations and crop diseases. Under traditional methods,  by the time farmers become aware of such problems it is too late and they risk crop failure. Agriculture technology uses remote sensors  and heat sensing devices to detect early warning signs of plant diseases and through farm management systems can alert farmers to threats based on current and past harvests.
Yield Maximization and increased Productivity:
With analysis of decades of crop data available, farmers can choose the best crop  planting mixes, combinations of soil and fertilizer and leverage  other farming factors that enable maximum crop production in the shortest time possible.