Automation is revolutionizing farming, transforming it from traditional practices to a tech-driven powerhouse. As global pressures like rising costs, labor shortages, and climate change intensify, farmers are turning to advanced technologies—such as AI, robotics, and IoT—to maintain productivity and profitability. This shift towards automation is not just a trend; it’s a critical step in shaping the future of agriculture, driving sustainability, and ensuring food security in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Artificial intelligence is transforming virtually every sector of the economy, driving advancements in areas like robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and generative AI, including tools like ChatGPT and AI-driven art. And indeed it is making its impact on agriculture as well – the oldest and arguably most critical occupation of all.
Today, agriculture is facing mounting pressures from escalating input and labour costs, which are threatening farmers’ profitability. Adding to these challenges, climate change is compounding the financial strain, with rising temperatures leading to greater weather unpredictability, more frequent extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, and the spread of invasive species and pests—all of which are diminishing crop yields.
Source: Market.us
Feeding 10 billion people (projected global population) sustainably by 2050 requires closing three gaps (Source: World Resources Institute):
To stay economically viable amid these challenges, farmers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions. Automation is emerging as an important intervention, offering significant potential to reduce the sector’s environmental footprint and help farmers adapt to financial pressures. Autonomous farming technologies vary in complexity, with some requiring minimal operator involvement.
At its essence, automation is about using technology to perform tasks with little to no human intervention. Although automation may seem like a modern concept, it has deeper roots than many realise. Today, automation has evolved into a sophisticated integration of AI, robotics, and smart systems, reshaping industries around the world.
In agriculture, automation includes the deployment of advanced machinery, robotics, and AI-driven systems to handle tasks traditionally performed by humans. These tasks range from planting and fertilising to monitoring crop health and harvesting, all aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing the burden on farmers.
Automation in agriculture has become an urgent necessity as global food demand surges alongside a shrinking farm labour force and soaring costs for essential resources like fertilisers and crop protection chemicals. It offers a vital solution to these challenges by enhancing productivity, cutting costs, and promoting sustainability. Automated systems can operate 24/7, allowing for more efficient management of large-scale farming operations while reducing human errors and optimising resource use.
“I see farm automation as more than just a replacement for manual labour; it’s a transformative tool that enhances productivity in ways we could hardly have imagined. By integrating technologies like autonomous tractors, precision tools, Agri-drones, and automated greenhouses, we can achieve higher yields while using fewer resources. For instance, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the unpredictability of weather, labour shortages, and rising input costs can put immense pressure on farmers.” Arpit Sinha, Founder at Aarya Group
Despite its potential, farm automation is still in its early stages. According to McKinsey’s 2022 Farmers Global Insights Survey, less than 5% of farmers worldwide have adopted next-generation automation technologies, compared to 21% who use farm management software. Sinha adds, “This is where innovations like agri-drones come into play, offering precise aerial monitoring that allows farmers to assess crop health even in extreme weather conditions, predict infestations, apply treatments, reduce labour, and manage their farms far more efficiently”. He feels that automation is not just a solution; it’s a lifeline, elevating farming to a new level of precision and sustainability. It’s empowering, and it is the future.
For businesses, automation is more than a tool—it’s a strategic imperative that enables them to remain competitive by lowering operational costs and improving product quality. In agriculture, this translates to better crop management, timely harvesting, and increased profitability. As the global food market evolves, the adoption of automation is not just an option but a critical step for future success.
Agriculture is a perfect niche for innovations in the sphere of robotics: farmers usually have to deal with repetitive tasks in the field, and this work is primarily labour-intensive.
Globally, the impact of automation is profound, with countries like the US, Germany, and Japan leading the charge in integrating advanced technologies across various industries. In agriculture, the adoption of automation is transforming the landscape, particularly in regions where labour shortages and high production costs are significant concerns.
India’s agriculture and allied sectors are crucial, supporting 17% of the global population and contributing 20% to the country’s GDP. The country’s agricultural machinery market is projected to grow from US$ 16.73 billion in 2024 to US$ 25.2 billion by 2029. Farm mechanisation is vital for reducing cultivation costs and boosting productivity by optimising resource use.
According to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), powered machines account for 40-45 % of various farm operations, underscoring their importance in enhancing agricultural efficiency. In states like Punjab and Haryana, mechanisation levels reach between 40-45%, while in the north-eastern regions, it remains minimal.
While automation is the logical next step, the transition is not without challenges. The high initial costs of automation technologies, coupled with the need for skilled labour to operate and maintain these systems, are significant barriers, especially for small and medium-sized farms. Despite these challenges, the long-term benefits of automation in terms of increased productivity, reduced labour dependency, and improved sustainability make it an essential component of the future of farming.
One of the most significant trends is the persistent labour shortage in the farming sector. With fewer people willing to take up manual farming jobs, automation offers a viable alternative. Advanced robotics and AI-driven machines can perform tasks like planting, weeding and harvesting with greater speed and precision than human workers.
Among the most significant factors are labour shortages. Coupled with this, the costs of essential inputs like fertilisers and crop protection chemicals have surged dramatically, with prices increasing by 80 to 250% in recent years. These pressures have made traditional farming methods less sustainable and more costly, prompting a shift toward automation. By integrating advanced technologies such as robotics, AI-driven systems, and smart machinery, farmers can not only mitigate the impact of rising costs and labour scarcity but also enhance productivity, optimise resource use, and sustain profitability in a highly competitive market.
Moreover, automation shows considerable promise in mitigating the impact of climate change on farming. Automated systems can monitor weather conditions, soil health and ensure nutrition in food, and crop growth in real-time, allowing farmers to make informed decisions that enhance resilience to climate variability. This not only helps in maintaining productivity but also reduces the environmental footprint of farming activities.
Sustainability is set to drive transformative change in agriculture, with automation emerging as a key enabler. By optimising resource use and reducing waste, automation supports the shift towards more sustainable farming practices. Automated systems facilitate precision farming, applying water, fertilisers, and pesticides based on real-time data, which minimises environmental harm and promotes efficient resource use. Moreover, these technologies support regenerative agriculture practices that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity and also reduce carbon footprint.
“Volvo’s electric mini excavators, the EC55 and EC80, represent a significant leap forward in Indian farm automation. Combining cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility, these machines offer zero-emission operation and advanced features that enhance productivity and precision. By integrating such sustainable machinery, we address the demand for efficient farming solutions while remaining committed to a greener future for agriculture.” Yuvraj Sarda, Head – Electromobility Solutions, Volvo Construction Equipment.
Automation in agriculture is set to revolutionize farming in the 21st century by making it more sustainable and profitable. Precision farming, driven by automation, allows farmers to optimize resource use—water, fertilizers, and pesticides—minimizing waste and environmental impact. Automated machinery, such as drones and robotic harvesters, increases efficiency, reducing labor costs and time. Soil sensors and AI-driven analytics help monitor crop health and predict yields, enabling informed decision-making that boosts productivity.
In India, where smallholder farms dominate, automation can enhance scalability, allowing farmers to manage larger plots with fewer resources. Automated irrigation systems ensure water is used judiciously, addressing water scarcity issues. Additionally, it facilitates better supply chain management through real-time data, reducing post-harvest losses. By integrating these technologies, Indian agriculture can achieve higher yields, lower costs, and greater resilience to climate change, making farming more sustainable and profitable in the long run.
Indusfood Agritech 2025, being organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka during January 9-11, 2025, is a global B2B exhibition aimed at showcasing the latest advancements and innovations in agritech, aquaculture, fishing, poultry and dairy farming technology. This show offers an unparalleled opportunity for trade visitors to explore a wide range of agricultural technologies under one roof.
Connect with industry leaders, exchange groundbreaking ideas, and be part of the dialogue that will shape the future of agriculture. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to inspire, innovate, and ignite change in this futuristic sector that is relevant not just to economic prosperity, but the very survival of mankind.
For further details, please contact Amit Kudke at +91 98331 71082, email ID amit@indusagritech.co.in
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