IoT has transformed agriculture by providing farmers with real-time data and analytics to make better decisions. This has resulted in improved efficiency, better yield, reduced costs, improved quality, better traceability, and remote monitoring.

Farmers are bridging the supply-demand gap with IoT app development services by producing good crops. To keep track of many aspects of nature, like humidity, air temperature, and soil quality, IoT app development services have been a lifesaver for many years. IoT Development Services in agriculture guarantee the best use of resources to produce high crop yields and lower operating costs. Specialized equipment, wireless connectivity, and real-time support make IoT a SUPERHERO in agriculture.

According to a report, 75 million IoT devices will be used in agriculture by 2020, expanding by 20% yearly. The size of the global smart agriculture industry is also anticipated to quadruple by 2025, from a little over $5 billion in 2016 to $15.3 billion.

These numbers are a motivation to ignite a spark to enter the agriculture industry. To help you with detail, let’s first understand what smart farming is.

What is smart agriculture? 

Smart agriculture, also known as precision agriculture or digital farming, uses advanced technology, such as sensors, GPS, drones, and artificial intelligence, to optimize and improve agricultural production. The goal is to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and productivity while reducing costs and minimizing waste.

The market size of smart agriculture is rapidly growing and is projected to reach $22.9 billion by 2025, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets. The increasing demand for food due to population growth and the need to enhance crop yields and profitability are the primary drivers of the market. The adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and cloud computing in agriculture is also contributing to the market's growth. 

Difference between Smart farming and conventional farming.

Smart farming, also known as precision agriculture, uses advanced technologies and data analytics to optimize agricultural production, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. On the other hand, conventional farming refers to traditional agricultural practices that have been used for thousands of years.

Here are some key differences between smart farming and traditional farming:

Technology: Smart farming relies heavily on technology, including sensors, drones, GPS, and data analytics, to monitor crops, soil, and weather conditions. Conversely, conventional farming relies on human labor and essential tools such as plows and tractors.

Data collection and analysis: Smart farming involves collecting and analyzing large amounts of data to inform decisions about planting, fertilizing, and harvesting crops. Conventional farming, in contrast, relies on experience and traditional knowledge passed down through generations.

Efficiency: Smart farming can be much more efficient than conventional farming because it allows farmers to optimize their use of resources such as water, fertilizer, and pesticides. This can lead to higher crop production and lower costs. Conventional farming, on the other hand, maybe less efficient because resources are often used in a less targeted manner.

Environmental impact: Smart farming can reduce the environmental impact of agriculture by reducing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers and optimizing water use. Conventional farming may have a larger ecological impact due to using these inputs and the potential for soil erosion and water pollution.

How’s IoT shaping agriculture?

Smart farming improves the quality and quantity of agricultural produce. It has opened many new opportunities for farmers to yield crops under challenging environmental conditions safely. 

Here are some benefits of IoT shaping agriculture:

Improved Efficiency: IoT-enabled sensors can be installed in the field to monitor and control various aspects of farming, such as soil moisture, temperature, and humidity. This real-time data enables farmers to optimize resource utilization, reduce waste, and increase productivity.

Better Yield: With real-time data, farmers can track the growth of crops and detect potential problems early, such as diseases or pests. This allows farmers to take corrective measures to prevent losses and improve crop yield.

Reduced Costs: IoT-enabled systems can help farmers reduce costs by optimizing water, fertilizer, and other resource usages. By reducing waste and optimizing resource utilization, farmers can increase profits and improve the sustainability of their operations.

Improved Quality: By monitoring and controlling various aspects of farming, such as soil moisture and temperature, farmers can produce crops with better quality and consistency.

Better Traceability: IoT-enabled systems can help farmers track and trace the origin of their products from farm to table, ensuring food safety and transparency.

IoT Development Services use cases in agriculture

IoT Development Services has revolutionized the agriculture industry by enabling farmers to gather real-time data about their crops, soil, weather conditions, and other factors that can affect crop yield and quality. Here are some ways IoT Development Services can help you in agriculture:

Precision farming: IoT sensors and devices can be used to collect data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels. This data can be used to create a detailed map of a farm's soil and identify areas where crops may be struggling. Farmers can then adjust the amount of water, fertilizer, and other inputs they use, reducing waste and improving yields.

Livestock monitoring: IoT App Development Company can design an app with sensors that can monitor the health condition of  livestock. This can help farmers detect illness or injury early, allowing them to provide timely medical treatment. IoT devices can also be used to monitor feeding and watering systems, ensuring that animals receive the appropriate amount of food and water.

Crop monitoring: IoT sensors can be used to monitor crops for diseases, pests, and other issues. This data can be used to identify potential problems early, allowing farmers to take action before they become serious. IoT devices can also be used to monitor plant growth and adjust irrigation and fertilization accordingly.

Weather monitoring: IoT weather sensors can be used to collect real-time data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. This data can be used to optimize irrigation and fertilization, predict weather patterns, and adjust planting schedules accordingly.

Summing Up

IoT technology has enormous potential to transform the agriculture industry, improving yields, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency. IoT app development services for smart agriculture range from livestock tracking to sophisticated field mapping, depending on your market segment, climate, and location. Often, off-the-shelf IoT Development Services  won't be helpful, and you could need a customized smart agriculture IoT solution. 

Consagous is a top IoT App Development Company; we have helped many startups and Fortune 500 companies to streamline their operations with the help of technologies. As an IoT solutions provider, we provide end-to-end services building IoT solutions worldwide. Contact us to share your requirements and get some fantastic solutions to witness success in the market.