## Exploring Innovations in Smart Agriculture: Towards a Sustainable Agricultural Future
### Introduction: The Importance of Smart Agriculture in Addressing Food Challenges
Smart agriculture is considered one of the leading solutions aimed at enhancing agricultural production and achieving food security amid growing global challenges. With the increasing population and climate change, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that the world needs to increase food production by up to 70% by 2050. Hence, smart agriculture emerges as a strategic model that relies on integrating modern technologies with traditional agricultural practices to enhance efficiency and increase productivity. In this context, understanding how advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, can be integrated with traditional farming systems becomes crucial.
This article aims to explore various aspects of smart agriculture, including technological innovations that contribute to improving productivity and reducing costs, along with the challenges these innovations face. By examining a range of strategies and techniques, we aim to map out a sustainable agricultural future and discuss how communities and farmers can benefit from these solutions. Achieving food security in the 21st century requires a collective response from all stakeholders involved, which also necessitates a strong commitment to investing in research and development to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production systems.
### Technological Innovations in Smart Agriculture
Smart agriculture is characterized by the employment of a variety of technological innovations that transform the way land is managed and crops are cultivated. These innovations include artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, automated irrigation systems, and smartphone applications that provide vital information to farmers. For instance, artificial intelligence allows for the analysis of large datasets related to weather, soil, and crops, enabling farmers to make more accurate decisions. Connected devices can monitor crop conditions and predict diseases or pests, reducing the need for chemical usage and improving crop quality.
Drones are remarkable tools used in smart agriculture, capable of gathering accurate data about soil and plants and identifying areas that require special attention. This data is used to enhance productivity, reducing water and fertilizer consumption. Furthermore, automated systems known as “smart irrigation” allow for the distribution of appropriate water amounts based on crop needs and weather conditions, thereby enhancing efficiency and minimizing wastage.
### Challenges Facing Smart Agriculture
While smart agriculture offers tremendous benefits, it also faces a range of challenges. Among the most prominent of these is the lack of necessary infrastructure in some rural areas. Many farmers do not have access to the internet or electricity, making it difficult for them to adopt new technologies. Additionally, there may be a shortage of digital skills required to operate these technologies, hindering their full utilization.
The investment costs in smart technologies are also a barrier for some farmers, especially in developing countries. Although these technologies may lead to cost savings and increased production in the long term, the initial costs of implementing such solutions can be high, prompting some farmers to think twice before investing in modern technology.
### The Role of Data and Analytics in Enhancing Smart Agriculture
Data is the cornerstone of smart agriculture, as farmers rely on information to improve productivity and make informed decisions. Analytical tools are used to analyze trends and predict potential outcomes, helping farmers prepare for future challenges. Thermal and data analysis tools have evolved to provide deep insights into crop health and soil performance, enabling farmers to make evidence-based decisions.
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New analytical techniques such as infrared imaging also allow farmers to monitor crop health periodically by measuring growth-related factors. Additionally, big data contributes to the development of accurate predictive models that support sustainable farming strategies. These analyses make it possible to identify optimal practices for each type of crop in different environmental contexts, thereby increasing the adaptability and efficiency of agricultural systems.
### Strengthening Partnerships in Smart Agriculture
To maximize the benefits that smart agriculture can offer, it is essential to enhance collaboration among various stakeholders in the agricultural sector. These entities include farmers, governments, NGOs, and technology companies. Each of these parties plays a vital role in establishing an ecosystem that supports agricultural innovations. For example, technology companies can provide advanced tools and technologies, while farmers can offer valuable insights regarding their actual needs and challenges.
Furthermore, governments play a crucial role in setting policies and providing financial support to farmers to enable them to adopt this technology. Providing proper training and advice to farmers on how to use modern technologies is critical. Therefore, both the public and private sectors should work together to promote education and vocational training for the effective and sustainable use of smart agriculture.
### Smart Agriculture as a Source of Sustainable Innovation
Smart agriculture has shown that it is not just a solution to current problems but also a source of sustainable innovation. Technology not only helps address food and climate crises but also enhances the independence of farmers and strengthens the resilience of rural communities. Smart agriculture is also a key to stimulating a fairer and more sustainable global food system, where resources are used more efficiently and food is distributed more equitably.
Innovations in smart agriculture also enhance the concept of sustainable farming by reducing waste and lowering greenhouse gas emissions resulting from traditional agricultural practices. This is evident in the use of organic fertilizers and cover crops that improve soil quality and increase efforts to protect the environment.
### Sustainability of Smart Agriculture and its Impact on Food Security
The sustainability of smart agriculture is a fundamental element in achieving global food security. By improving productivity and reducing waste, these agricultural models contribute to balancing supply and demand in local and global markets. Rural communities can utilize technological innovations to expand the scope of commercial farming, giving them better market access and increasing their income.
When implemented correctly, smart agriculture creates a more resilient food system capable of adapting to changing conditions, such as climate change and natural disasters. Through the effective use of water and energy, smart agriculture becomes a tool for mitigating the impacts of climate change, contributing to environmental sustainability and community safety.
## Leading Innovations in Agricultural Technology
Some of the most prominent agricultural technology innovations we see today include sophisticated measuring tools and sensors used to monitor many environmental factors. These tools are used to collect data on soil temperature, moisture levels, and nutrients, helping farmers better understand their crop needs. Moreover, vertical farming techniques have evolved, where crops are grown in multiple layers to save space and increase productivity, which is particularly intriguing in densely populated urban areas.
Innovation also includes hydroponics, which allows for growing crops without soil by using nutrient-rich water solutions. This type of farming achieves high levels of productivity and reduces water usage compared to traditional methods. Additionally, precision agriculture techniques rely on the active participation of users in monitoring crops and expanding agricultural innovation through data and analytics.
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The Diverse Roles of Farmers in the Transition to Smart Agriculture
Farmers must take active roles in the transition to smart agriculture, becoming part of the process of creating technical knowledge and adopting innovations. The role of the farmer is no longer limited to just growing crops; it also includes using smart tools to obtain, analyze, and apply information in daily practices. By interacting with new technologies, farmers can enhance their skills and develop their abilities to make strategic decisions based on data.
Rural communities need sustainable support, so farmers should work on exchanging knowledge with each other and forming partnerships with non-governmental organizations and government entities to ensure access to the information and technologies necessary to stimulate smart agriculture. Dedicating time to educate themselves on how artificial intelligence and big data work is a long-term investment in improving productivity and quality.
## Education and Training as Part of Agricultural Innovation
Investing time and resources in education and technical training is a fundamental element for success in smart agriculture. Workshops and training courses should be a core part of strategies for empowering farmers. These programs can help raise awareness of smart agriculture techniques, assisting farmers in understanding the importance of using data analytics, measurement tools, and clean farming methods.
Moreover, academic institutions can play an important role in supporting farmers through practical research focused on local solutions to agricultural challenges. This includes providing them with tools like computer simulations that can clarify best practices according to local agricultural contexts, allowing them to make data-driven decisions.
## The Impact of Smart Agriculture on the Local Economy
The benefits of smart agriculture are not limited to farmers alone but extend to the overall local economy. By increasing production and reducing waste, smart agriculture contributes to making food products more available and affordable. This stimulates business activity in the community, allowing farmers to sell their products at higher prices, thereby increasing their income and promoting improved living standards. Additionally, the adoption of smart agriculture can create new job opportunities in areas such as technology, maintenance, and distribution.
As communities move towards smart agriculture, they can serve as a model for other countries seeking to sustainably increase their agricultural production. The economic growth resulting from reliance on these technologies enhances infrastructure and enables more social services such as education and healthcare, contributing to an improved quality of life in rural communities.
## Sustainable Analysis of Environmental Changes
The rapid pace of environmental changes has become a significant challenge in modern agriculture, but smart agriculture offers powerful tools to address these challenges. Utilizing and analyzing big data helps farmers understand how climatic factors affect their crops, enabling them to take preventive actions such as adjusting planting timing or selecting crop varieties that better suit changing environments. This adaptability enhances the sustainability of agricultural production and ensures continuity in food supply.
Combining modern agricultural techniques with knowledge of traditional practices can produce unique local solutions that help communities tackle changing environmental conditions. Farmers can benefit from climate-smart agriculture to address environmental challenges, leading to the production of more efficient and resilient crops in the face of climate pressures.
## Innovation in Smart Agriculture Strategies
Innovative strategies in smart agriculture can significantly improve agricultural production. Among these strategies is the development of integrated planning systems for farmers, where artificial intelligence is used to analyze agricultural data and prepare precise planting recommendations that meet the needs of each type of crop. These strategies also utilize precision agriculture technologies, where planting and harvesting machinery can be controlled through smart applications, enhancing efficiency and increasing productivity.
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On another front, integrated farm management systems have emerged, allowing farmers to monitor the entire agricultural processes, starting from planting stages to marketing stages. These systems help farmers optimize resource use and better estimate costs, leading to higher production efficiency.
### Environmental Impacts and Smart Agriculture
Smart agriculture makes significant progress in reducing negative impacts on the environment. By using sustainable irrigation techniques, such as “drip irrigation,” water consumption can be drastically reduced, playing a vital role in addressing water scarcity issues. Additionally, smart agricultural methods contribute to decreasing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which improves crop quality and mitigates the agricultural impact on biodiversity.
The technologies employed in smart agriculture also enhance soil quality through circular farming systems that recycle nutrients, thus boosting crop productivity in the long run. Smart agriculture, by adopting environmentally friendly practices, contributes to climate improvement and enhances environmental sustainability.
## The Future of Smart Agriculture and Global Trends
The global shift towards smart agriculture indicates a permanent change in how agricultural production is viewed. Many countries are investing in research and development to develop and adopt new agricultural technologies, increasing the focus on food production in a sustainable manner. Collaboration between countries and private companies fosters agricultural innovation through the exchange of knowledge and experiences, leading to sustainable economic development.
Government grant programs and targeted support to encourage farmers to adopt technology are part of this global trend, enhancing the competitive capacity of smart agriculture. Together, these contribute to achieving sustainable development goals by increasing food production capacity while preserving the environment and improving the living standards of rural communities.
## Innovations in Sustainable Nutrition
Research in smart agriculture is shifting towards a better understanding of food composition and food sustainability. Modern technologies allow for in-depth analysis of soil nutrients, helping farmers choose the appropriate types of crops and grow nutrient-rich foods needed by communities. Developing food value chains that prioritize high-nutritional crops is one of the essential innovations at the agricultural boundaries.
These innovations contribute to enhancing food diversity, thereby boosting public health and reducing chronic diseases in many communities. By utilizing modern knowledge in nutrition alongside smart agriculture, effective solutions to the malnutrition crisis in many developing countries are being provided.
## Social and Cultural Dimensions of Smart Agriculture
The impact of smart agriculture extends beyond economic and environmental aspects to social and cultural dimensions. Promoting smart agriculture encourages the development of stronger and more connected rural communities through knowledge sharing and building social networks. Cooperation among farmers in exchanging ideas and innovations enhances community spirit and introduces technology on a broader scale.
Smart agriculture also empowers women in agricultural sectors by providing them greater access to knowledge, resources, and financing, thereby enhancing their effective participation in the agricultural community. Women’s education and training in smart agriculture lead to partnerships based on equality and improve creativity and innovation in agricultural fields.
### Importance of Research in Smart Agriculture
Scientific research is central to advancing smart agriculture. The shift towards smart agriculture requires continuous studies and understanding how new technologies can align with local conditions. This includes studying the impact of various farming methods on productivity and biodiversity, and identifying best practices to overcome environmental challenges. Research centers and collaboration between American and European universities and private companies are key factors supporting the shift towards smart farming.
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Research into the development of new technologies, such as the development of pest-resistant and drought-resistant crop varieties, ensures food security in the future. It is essential to advance agricultural research to enhance smart farming solutions that achieve the greatest possible efficiency and sustainability.
## The Connection Between Smart Farming and Climate Change
Smart farming fundamentally interacts with climate change issues, as it is considered an optimal technology for adapting to the negative impacts of this change. By using precise climate data measurement tools, farmers can understand the potential impacts on their agricultural production systems. For example, data analysis allows for predicting rainfall patterns and temperatures, enabling farmers to make agricultural decisions based on expected weather conditions. Such knowledge empowers them to choose the most suitable crops for planting in specific seasons and reduce potential risks.
Dry-resistant crop cultivation is considered one of the results of new trends in smart farming, where strains have been developed to better cope with harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, smart water management contributes to reducing waste and efficiently conserving resources, enhancing the farmers’ ability to face expected environmental changes.
## Transition from Traditional Farming to Smart Farming
The transition from traditional farming to smart farming requires a radical change in thinking and agricultural practices. It involves not only the introduction of new technologies but also the reconfiguration of agricultural systems as a whole. This includes integrating traditional knowledge with modern innovations, enabling farmers to build sustainable farming models. The shift towards smart farming requires embracing a culture of knowledge and participation, where agricultural communities become a vital tool in expanding the scope of this transformation.
The change also involves developing support networks, such as agricultural cooperatives or groups focused on smart farming, where tools and knowledge are exchanged. Research teams should work with the agricultural community to ensure that the developed solutions align with local needs.
## Psychological and Social Impacts of Agricultural Transformation
Smart farming provides tremendous opportunities to enhance the mental health of farmers and agricultural communities. When farmers can achieve better production at lower costs and with potentially less effort, they feel more stability and confidence in their ability to face challenges. Moreover, communication among farmers and the exchange of experiences help build strong support networks that enhance social cohesion, leading to greater psychological and physical support in agricultural communities.
Smart farming is evolving from being merely an economic activity to an enabling platform that benefits various groups, including youth and women, who often represent an underrepresented segment in agricultural activities. By applying these technologies and opening the door for joint projects, inspiring models can be presented to create entrepreneurial opportunities and promote gender equality in the agricultural field.
## Learning from International Experiences in Smart Farming
Countries transitioning to smart farming benefit from previous international experiences in this field. These experiences hold valuable lessons witnessed by different countries, whether in the developing or developed world. For example, the lessons learned from the smart agriculture program in the Netherlands, known for its application of high-tech in agriculture, can inspire other countries to adopt similar practices. By leveraging these successes and applying enlightened methodologies, local administrations and government entities can enhance this rapid transformation.
Furthermore, knowledge and experiences can be exchanged among agricultural communities at regional and international levels through conferences, workshops, and digital platforms. These initiatives not only enhance interaction among farmers but also highlight innovations and cultural implications that promote the application of smart farming in diverse contexts.
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The Future Prospects of Smart Agriculture
From a future perspective, the world is anticipated to witness a continuous increase in efforts focused on smart agriculture. Sustainable innovation and the shift towards smart agriculture are expected to be at the forefront of global priorities to bridge food security gaps. There will also be increased demand for sustainable solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, as tech companies bolster their readiness to tackle challenges by providing more advanced and intelligent analytical tools.
Forecasts indicate that the focus will be significantly on developing blockchain technologies to monitor supply chains and facilitate agricultural trade processes. Concurrently, trends towards the development of artificial intelligence and deep learning for data processing and enhancing production sustainability will continue. All of this reinforces the idea that smart agriculture is not just an agricultural technology, but a future vision that integrates with the economy, environment, and society in a balanced framework.
## Leading Innovations in Agricultural Technology
Modern technologies represent a fundamental part of the transformation in technology-driven agriculture. The introduction of advanced measurement tools and sensors, such as infrared sensors, has allowed farmers to collect data on various environmental factors. This enables them to make decisions related to irrigation, fertilization, and the optimal timing for planting crops based on actual conditions. The adoption of vertical farming is also an example of how limited spaces can be used more effectively, enhancing productivity and reducing resource use in innovative ways.
Aquaponics is one of the vital innovations that benefits from scientific research. This method uses nutrient solutions instead of soil, allowing for the cultivation of crops using fewer water and fertilizer resources. Precision agriculture is applied to improve crop productivity, leading to fewer pests and reduced resource use overall, which decreases costs and enhances agricultural income.
## The Diverse Roles of Farmers in the Transition to Smart Agriculture
Farmers represent a vital part of the transition to smart agriculture, requiring them to change their perspectives on traditional practices. They must become active participants in the transformation process, being taught how to use new technologies such as sensors and intelligent software. This requires a mix of education and ongoing training to ensure the success of the transition and for farmers to benefit from these innovations.
As the foundation of agricultural production, farmers exchange knowledge among themselves, supporting each other through cooperative associations and local workshops. The interaction among them and with research entities and academic institutions forms a positive model for collectively adopting and transitioning to smart agriculture.
## Education and Training as Part of Agricultural Innovation
Education and training are essential pillars in empowering farmers to ensure the success of smart agricultural initiatives. Educating farmers about the benefits of smart agriculture can enhance improvement opportunities and develop necessary skills. Workshops related to modern innovations, such as using software for data analysis or smart irrigation techniques, contribute to raising awareness among farmers and enhancing their professional levels.
Collaboration between research centers, educational institutions, and farmers should be ongoing to provide appropriate technology and applications to meet local needs. Education should aim to elevate the scientific value of agriculture and provide insights on how to use modern technology to benefit productivity and sustainable practices.
## The Impact of Smart Agriculture on the Local Economy
Smart agriculture leads to enhanced economic growth in local communities, contributing to increased productivity and reduced costs. Farmers can sell crops more professionally, resulting in higher income and investment in business development. The increase in farmers’ income boosts the local economy, elevates the standard of living, and improves access to social services.
Moreover, innovation in agriculture can lead to the creation of new job opportunities in areas such as agricultural engineering and modern technology. Matters like marketing and data analysis are considered important fields needing continuous support, encouraging the adoption of smart agricultural technologies.
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Sustainable Analysis of Environmental Changes
Environmental changes pose a significant challenge, but smart agriculture offers effective solutions to address it. By using data analysis tools and climate forecasts, farmers can understand the impact of environmental conditions on their crops. For example, data-driven analysis provides farmers with the ability to predict climate fluctuations, thereby making proactive choices regarding the appropriate types of crops to plant based on their preparedness to face these changes.
The combination of traditional agricultural knowledge and modern technologies supports the ability to adapt to these changes. Through sustainable analysis, it becomes possible to consider different environmental patterns and select suitable crops and resources based on current conditions. This approach improves resource efficiency and contributes to the sustainability of the agricultural mindset.
## Innovation in Smart Agriculture Strategies
Smart agriculture strategies are evolving to adapt to the changing market needs. The development of integrated planning systems using artificial intelligence reflects how data is effectively utilized to support decision-making. These strategies rely on using collected information to improve farming rates, selecting crops that match local needs, thereby enhancing economic benefits.
Agricultural management systems help improve farming practices by tracking performance from the beginning of planting to marketing stages. Farmers in these systems are assisted in optimizing resource use and reducing costs, which significantly contributes to increasing production levels and efficiency.
### Environmental Impacts and Smart Agriculture
Smart agriculture achieves positive environmental impacts through sustainable agricultural practices. By using smart irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, water loss can be minimized, which is essential given the global water crisis. Moreover, adopting diverse farming methods, which ensure reduced reliance on chemicals, leads to decreased negative agricultural effects on the environment.
By applying more circular agriculture systems, materials and energy are recycled, contributing to improved soil quality and achieving greater production in the long term. Modern agriculture presents a platform to enhance the efficiency of the agricultural process, thereby promoting a balance between production and environmental conservation.
## The Future of Smart Agriculture and Global Trends
Global developments indicate that smart agriculture will remain at the forefront of agricultural development priorities. Investment in research and development to increase sustainable production capabilities is on the rise, along with fostering new innovations. Cooperation between countries and private companies will be essential to enhance agricultural leadership and move towards innovative solutions.
Future trends include the shift towards blockchain technologies, which enhance supply chain management and agricultural business practices. These innovations require a commitment to sustainable development, focusing on preparing communities to better face global challenges.
## Innovations in Sustainable Nutrition
Smart agriculture increasingly relies on sustainable nutrition to maximize the use of available resources. Precise analysis of soil nutrients enhances farmers’ ability to choose the most nutrient-dense crops, leading to improved lifestyles in communities. New strategies aim to preserve dietary diversity by focusing on nutrient-rich crops, helping to address nutrition deficiency issues.
Providing quality nutrition is central to combating malnutrition, and by leveraging modern agricultural technologies, positive outcomes for millions of individuals worldwide can be achieved. Additionally, these innovations enhance the nutritional value of products available in the market, contributing to overall public health improvement.
## Social and Cultural Dimensions of Smart Agriculture
The impacts of smart agriculture extend to social and cultural realms, providing channels to enhance cooperation and communication among farmers. This system encourages the exchange of experiences and ideas, fostering a spirit of collaboration and promoting social justice. Farmers can benefit from the knowledge that others bring to the field, maximizing the experience of smart agriculture in practice.
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It is worth mentioning that smart agriculture enhances the role of women in the sustainability of agricultural communities by providing educational and training programs that support their solidarity and participation in improving agricultural systems. Education is a key tool for personal and professional development, opening new doors for more opportunities.
### Importance of Research in Smart Agriculture
Research represents an essential part of improving and developing smart agriculture. The shift to new agricultural methods requires ongoing research methodologies that study how modern technologies impact productivity and crop quality. Research should focus on how to leverage traditional knowledge alongside new innovations to provide effective solutions for enhancing productivity.
Progress can only be achieved through collaboration among universities, research departments, and private companies, as these alliances are necessary to prepare technologies that are suitable for current challenges. Targeted research directs communities towards maximizing the benefits of agricultural innovations, ensuring environmental safety and sustainable productivity.
## The Connection Between Smart Agriculture and Climate Change
Smart agriculture has become an effective means of adapting to the challenges of climate change, enabling farmers to employ decision-support technologies based on accurate data to assess climatic factors. Predicting weather patterns and climate changes, along with data analytics technologies, helps farmers adopt suitable strategies to achieve optimal productivity.
By developing drought-resistant varieties, farmers can better face harsh conditions and reduce losses. Additionally, smart water management technologies support the better utilization of water resources, contributing to the sustainability of agricultural production.
## Transition from Traditional Agriculture to Smart Agriculture
The transition to smart agriculture requires successfully integrating technological innovations into traditional agricultural systems. This step is crucial for renewing agricultural processes and enabling farmers to enhance their efficiency and increase their productivity. The significance of knowledge exchange mechanisms that allow farmers to adapt to the transition highlights the necessity of strengthening communication links among them.
Collaboration in forming agricultural support groups or associations aimed at promoting the transition to smart agriculture is essential. Research teams should be encouraged to collaborate with agricultural communities to ensure the development of solutions that meet the needs of each region.
## Psychological and Social Impacts of Agricultural Transition
The adoption of smart agriculture enhances the mental health of farmers, as improved productivity and reduced effort indicate a rise in self-confidence and financial security. The development of agricultural communities through collective participation and shared experiences strengthens social ties among them.
The shift to smart agriculture also creates new opportunities, especially for marginalized or young groups. Learning new practices and opening doors for joint projects contributes to building an innovative and balanced agricultural community.
## Learning from International Experiences in Smart Agriculture
It is essential to study successful international experiences in smart agriculture to enhance its understanding and implementation. Lessons learned from countries like the Netherlands, which adopts high technologies in agriculture, can benefit other countries in formulating similar strategies. The evidence of these experiences emphasizes the importance of joint research, knowledge exchange, and successful models.
Research trips, workshops, and technical exhibitions are likely to be effective tools for raising awareness and dissemination through actual experiences. Governments and farmers should exchange knowledge and experiences that enable them to apply agricultural innovations in their local contexts.
## Future Prospects for Smart Agriculture
Global trends anticipate that smart agriculture will remain at the forefront of efforts to achieve sustainable production. The increasing focus on innovation and enhancing agricultural technologies is expected to contribute to bridging food security gaps. Innovations in comprehensive fields such as blockchain technology and artificial intelligence will boost efficiency and provide farmers with the tools they need to succeed.
Trends also include improving agricultural systems through data analysis methods and enhancing developmental and research models, enabling farmers to make informed decisions. The innovative application of these strategies, while addressing social and environmental challenges, makes smart agriculture a central component of the sustainable global economy.
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