Author: Hema Mohan

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported in 2021 that it is “unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land.” Rapid and widespread shifts have occurred in the air, seas, ice systems, and ecosystems. The report found that global surface temperatures between 2001–2020 were 0.99°C (1.78°F) higher than in the pre-industrial era (1850–1900). Looking ahead, projections suggest that by 2081–2100, depending on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, global warming could range between 1.0°C (1.8°F) and 5.7°C (10.26°F) above that same baseline. For agriculture, these temperature increases carry two major consequences: Although global trends are alarming, the impacts…

Welcome to the future of farming, where technology meets sustainability! Variable Rate Seeding (VRS) is at the heart of precision agriculture, offering farmers smarter ways to boost productivity while reducing input costs. By adjusting seed rates according to soil variability, VRS ensures that every part of your field reaches its full potential. This approach not only maximizes crop yields but also conserves resources, making farming more efficient and environmentally friendly. At Farmonaut, we are committed to empowering farmers with cutting-edge tools and insights that redefine traditional practices. In this guide, we’ll take you through the benefits, applications, and real-world impact…

The agriculture industry faces one of its biggest challenges in recent decades: herbicide-resistant weeds. These resistant species not only threaten crop yields but also force farmers into a cycle of increasing chemical use, higher costs, and environmental risks. New research from the University of Chicago suggests that robotic weeders could provide a long-term, sustainable solution to this growing issue. According to simulation studies, early adoption of robotic weeders even with their substantial upfront cost can improve long-term farm profitability, reduce reliance on chemical herbicides, and protect environmental health. As technology advances, these robots may soon become a vital part of…

Agriculture has transformed dramatically with the rise of modern technologies. In the past, farmers had to physically walk through their fields to monitor crop health, relying solely on observation and experience. Today, satellites have revolutionized this process, allowing farmers to gain accurate insights into their fields without leaving their homes. Through satellite imagery and remote sensing, crop health monitoring has become faster, smarter, and more efficient. This technology not only saves time but also reduces wastage, optimizes resource use, and supports precision farming. Real-time data on plant health, soil conditions, and growth patterns empowers farmers to make informed decisions, ultimately…

Hunger remains one of the most urgent global challenges of the 21st century. Despite advances in agriculture, nutrition, and poverty reduction, millions of people still lack access to sufficient food. According to data from 2016, over 800 million individuals worldwide suffer from chronic malnutrition. Among them are 150 million children under the age of five, with around three million children dying each year due to hunger-related complications. When confronted with such staggering statistics, it is natural to hope for one powerful solution something that can prevent these unnecessary deaths and bring the world closer to food security. One of the…

Biotechnology has become a cornerstone of modern agriculture, offering innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges faced by farmers and food systems worldwide. By applying advanced scientific techniques such as genetic engineering, molecular biology, and tissue culture, biotechnology enables the development of crops with improved traits, including resistance to pests, tolerance to harsh environmental conditions, and enhanced nutritional value. Beyond crop improvement, agricultural biotechnology also contributes to sustainable practices through the production of biofuels, bio-based materials, and reduced dependence on chemical inputs. As the global demand for food continues to rise, agri-biotechnology companies and bio-agriculture innovators play a…

Since the emergence of high-throughput sequencing technologies (Margulies et al., 2005), our understanding of soil microbial diversity (Fierer, 2017) and plant-associated microbiomes (Trivedi et al., 2020) has expanded dramatically. These complex microbial communities contain taxonomically diverse organisms that provide essential functions such as nutrient acquisition (Hartman & Tringe, 2019), pathogen defense (Carrión et al., 2019), and drought tolerance (Glick, 2014; Naylor & Coleman-Derr, 2017). Despite their potential, practical tools for engineering plant microbiomes have historically been limited. This article highlights two innovative solutions super-absorbent polymers (SAPs) and Bioprime® that have demonstrated consistent effects in altering crop-associated microbiomes and improving wheat…

Using IoT sensors in agriculture isn’t new they act like nerves, not the brain. Sensors can monitor soil conditions, track crops, manage irrigation, and even follow livestock, but they only detect issues rather than solve them. To move from observation to action, farms need AI algorithms and robotics that allow systems to respond in real time. This is where 5G becomes a game-changer. Although relatively few companies currently use 5G for agricultural IoT, adoption is growing. In 2020, the Federal Communications Commission allocated $9 billion to expand 5G in rural America, signaling a major shift on the horizon. The integration…

From monitoring crop health to automating irrigation, technology is revolutionizing modern agriculture, and edge computing is emerging as a game-changing tool for farmers. As the agriculture sector seeks higher efficiency, increased productivity, and reduced waste, advanced technologies are reshaping traditional farming practices. Unlike conventional systems that rely on centralized data centers or cloud connectivity, edge computing enables real-time data analysis and decision-making directly in the field. This immediacy allows farmers to respond faster to changing conditions, optimize resources, and improve crop yields. In this article, we’ll delve into how edge computing is transforming smart farming, enhancing operational efficiency, and paving…

Blockchain technology has garnered considerable attention across multiple sectors due to its potential to enhance security, efficiency, and transparency (Shakila et al., 2024). Security concerns have been a central focus of research, with studies emphasizing the necessity of systematically identifying and addressing vulnerabilities within blockchain systems (Li & Chen, 2022). Beyond security, blockchain has been applied in diverse domains including healthcare, finance, and supply chain management demonstrating its versatility and adaptability (Zhuang et al., 2020; Bauvars, 2021). The integration of blockchain with Internet of Things (IoT) systems has also emerged as a significant area of interest. Research in this domain…