agribusinessreview.comDECEMBER 20238 opinionIN MYIt's no longer news that we'll need to feed 10 billion people in a few years with the same arable land we have today. The challenge is placed and the solution goes through targeting a continuous evolution for a greater efficiency in our agriculture.In addition to this challenge, there's a transformation in consumer behavior that increasingly demands that sustainable practices are a "must have" of the products they consume every day.In this context, Precision Farming is a very powerful instrument to drive this transformation from field to fork.Precision Farming is an innovative approach that has changed the way farmers manage their agricultural activities. Through the use of technologies such as GPS, sensors, drones, geographic information systems among others, Precision Farming allows farmers to accurately monitor and control each step of the production process, from planting to harvesting.Some benefits of Precision Farming adoption by producers include:1. Cost reduction: It is possible to reduce inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides and water, as the application is made in a more precise and controlled way. That reduces waste and production costs, increasing the profitability of the business.2. Increased productivity: By more accurately monitoring soil, weather, and plant conditions, it is possible to identify problems early and take corrective actions quickly. That increases production efficiency and improves product quality.3. Sustainability: Precision Farming helps in reducing the environmental impact of agricultural production. By using natural resources more efficiently and reducing the use of agricultural inputs, it is possible to reduce carbon emissions, preserve soil health, and make farming more sustainable in many aspects.However, the adoption of Precision Farming can also face some barriers to be overcome by farmers and companies in the sector. Among the main challenges, here are some highlights:1. Investment in technology: The adoption of Precision Farming requires an investment in technology, such as monitoring systems, sensors, drones and data analysis software. This investment can be a barrier for smaller farmers, who often do not have sufficient resources to acquire these kind of technologies.2. Technical training: Precision Farming requires more technical training of farmers and professionals involved in agricultural operations, so that they can properly use the solutions and understand the data collected. It's necessary to invest in training and capability building so that the technology can be used efficiently in the right way.3. Infrastructure & Connectivity: to use Precision Farming technologies, good connectivity is required, which can be a challenge in some rural areas. It is necessary to invest in infrastructure for farmers to be able to use the technologies properly.One way to overcome the barriers to Precision Farming adoption is through a collaborative approach involving different players in the agricultural sector, such as farmers, technology companies, startups, researchers, financial institutions, and government. This collaborative approach can foster the innovation ecosystem and generate solutions to Precision Farming challenges.An important point to be taken into account is the communication and understanding of the real value for all stakeholders, so that a real engagement for the solution's implementation, partnerships, and business models can be created. It's the famous "what's in for me?"'The value for a farmer might be a higher productivity or a sustainable harvest, while for a company it might be to increase its sales or achieve its ESG goals. For a startup it could be to test and validate a solution in the field, while for PRECISION FARMING ­ AN OVERVIEW THROUGH A COLLABORATIVE APPROACHBy Rafael Tabasnik, Head of Innovation, Belagricola
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