AgroTech - the next phase

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 AgroTech - probably not a term you've heard of? it's pretty simple: Agricultural Technology (yes, I know the "o" replaced the "i", I didn't make the rules)


Why am I interested in this?  Well. I like technology. No sh!t sherlock :-) I am also reaching a point in life where I am no longer being pushed / forced to adhere to Corporate World dictatorship, ie. the push for selling products / services and technologies for maximising profit.  

Yes, I've worked in IT for over 30 years now, for over 100+ companies in a vast array of Industries, but now I'm looking at "give back", what can I do to help the world, help people, help communities, help the next generations to live & by live, I don't mean being slaves to a Corporate driven World run by Tech Bro's or multi-million dollar software companies that emulate the Pharma companies (they don't want to solve the problem as there is no money in that, but to keep the ball rolling as a continued money cash cow)

My journey the past 10-15 years has been through the Medical Insurance, Pharmaceutical, Telecommunications, Automotive, Banking, Finance & Defence industries.  


I was reading this article: https://theagrotechdaily.com/artificial-intelligence-ai-farming/

Main Highlights 

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is steadily emerging as part of the agriculture industry’s technological evolution.
  • The challenge is to increase global food production by 50% by 2050 to feed an additional two billion people.
  • The AI-powered solutions will also improve quantity, and quality and ensure faster go-to-market for crops.

and this last paragraph resonated with me:


This taps into both passions there, ROBOTICS and GARDEN-BOT. okay, it is a random link to Agriculture, but something I've been interested with for a couple of decades now & now the hardware & software has reached a point where I can make this a reality.


Another article: https://theagrotechdaily.com/how-they-are-changing-modern-agriculture/

Precision Agriculture

Precision Agriculture
source: Google Images

Precision agriculture is an agrotech trend that involves the use of data and advanced technologies to enhance farm productivity and efficiency. Precision agriculture incorporates the use of sensors, drones, and advanced analytics to monitor crops, soil, and weather conditions. This data is then used to make informed decisions on irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.

Robotics and Automation

Robotic technology is increasingly becoming popular in agriculture, and for good reasons. Robotics and automation systems can perform repetitive tasks that would have taken human labor hours to complete. These machines can harvest crops, sort produce, and even plant seeds with precision and efficiency, leading to increased productivity and lower labor costs.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a field of science that involves the use of living organisms to produce or modify agricultural products. Biotechnology is responsible for the development of genetically modified crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases. These crops have led to increased yields, reduced pesticide use, and lower environmental impact.

Vertical Farming

Vertical farming is a relatively new concept that involves growing crops in a controlled environment with minimal land use. Vertical farming uses hydroponics, a system of growing plants without soil, and LED lighting to grow crops vertically. This system is ideal for urban farming, where space is limited, and it reduces the need for transportation, making it an eco-friendly solution.

Agricultural Drones

Drones are becoming increasingly popular in agriculture. Agricultural drones are equipped with sensors that can provide farmers with accurate data on crop health, soil moisture, and weed density. This data can be used to make informed decisions on irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, leading to higher crop yields and reduced waste.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way farmers work. AI systems can analyze data from sensors, drones, and other technologies to provide insights that can help farmers make informed decisions. AI-powered systems can also automate farm operations, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is being used in agriculture to create a transparent and secure system for tracking food products from farm to table. This technology enables farmers to trace the origin of their products and ensure that it meets the necessary quality standards. Blockchain technology can also help prevent food fraud and reduce food waste.

Smart Irrigation

Smart irrigation is an agrotech trend that involves the use of sensors and data analytics to optimize irrigation schedules. This technology helps farmers use water more efficiently, leading to reduced water usage and increased crop yields.

Big Data Analytics

Big data analytics is becoming increasingly popular in agriculture. Farmers can use data analytics to track weather patterns, soil health, and crop yields, among other things. This data can then be used to make informed decisions on crop management, leading to increased efficiency, higher yields, and reduced costs.

Autonomous Farming

Autonomous farming is an agrotech trend that involves the use of autonomous vehicles to perform farm operations. These vehicles can be used for tasks such as planting, harvesting, and spraying. Autonomous farming systems can reduce labor costs, increase productivity, and enhance safety on farms.

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable Agriculture
source: Google Images

Sustainable agriculture is an increasingly important trend in agrotech. This involves farming methods that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Sustainable agriculture includes practices such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and integrated pest management. The goal is to produce food sustainably, while also protecting the environment and promoting social responsibility.



This is a little confusing.  I am assuming that this article shows that this company DID get funding:

UK Based Muddy Machines: https://theagrotechdaily.com/muddy-machines-how-this-london-ai-robotics-startup-raised-7-8-million-to-revolutionise-crop-harvesting/

as this article states they were shutting down due to lack of funding: https://www.fruitnet.com/fresh-produce-journal/robotics-firm-muddy-machines-to-wind-down/266797.article

It does go to show though, £1.5m in seed funding (pun intended, I'm sure) in 2022 is a big gamble and may have not been enough to crack this market space, although the nearly £8m is paying for something - probably back to Corporate World mindset here and greed, rather than looking to help people who live on this planet like this initiative: https://www.scukalumni.org/data-ai-for-good/


You can see where my thinking is going here.

I've also been researching WHERE I can make this happen. Of course the UK or major places in EUROPE are going to be saturated & tougher to crack into, with less ability and innovation, being squashed out by the BIG corporations, so then I got to thinking, what do "I like"? what are the places I've travelled to over the past 30 years around the world, doing my job / roles?

https://www.startupuzbekistan.com/

Whilst out in the middle-east / Africa (EMEA) regions I have liked some aspects but there have been a lot of unbalanced things that didn't float well with me.  Until I was introduced to Uzbekistan by a work colleague who has family ties there.  After researching a lot more, the place, the culture, the community, the mindset & the ability to be allowed to grow an IT startup, teaching, nurturing and growing without profit being the sole goal, along with the beautiful scenery and locations - and of course with the linkages to the old Silk Road, I have felt the calling.  Maybe it was something from a past life being triggered, who knows?  anyway, I've booked myself a couple of weeks in May to go and visit, scope the place out, visit the IT Park and look at "options".

https://it-park.uz/en/itpark


https://it-park.uz/en/itpark/news/living-and-working-in-uzbekistan-as-a-foreign-founder-what-to-expect


https://weproject.media/en/articles/detail/the-role-of-it-park-in-supporting-foreign-entrepreneurs-in-uzbekistan/


https://www.euronews.com/tag/uzbekistan







Who knows, maybe I'll also be fortunate enough to meet a future Ms.Geek whilst I'm there? ;-)



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