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  The agriculture industry is one of the most significant contributors to food waste worldwide. Every year, billions of tons of food go to waste due to a variety of factors, including inefficient supply chain management, poor crop management, and inadequate data analytics. Agritech, or agricultural technologies, have the potential to address these challenges and reduce food waste in the agriculture industry. In this article, we explore eight ways agrotech can help reduce food waste in the agriculture industry using data analytics.
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Crop management

Data analytics can help farmers better manage their crops and reduce waste. By using data to analyze soil quality, water usage, and other factors that impact crop yield, farmers can make informed decisions about when to plant, fertilize, and harvest their crops. They can also predict potential issues that could impact crop health, such as pests or weather events. With this information, farmers can reduce overproduction and avoid the need to discard crops that have not been used. For example, a company called Taranis has developed a platform that uses aerial imagery, weather data, and machine learning to help farmers monitor their crops’ health and predict issues that may arise. The platform can identify potential pest infestations or diseases, allowing farmers to take preventative measures before the issue becomes severe.

Supply chain management

Data analytics can help improve supply chain management, which is a significant contributor to food waste in the agriculture industry. By tracking crops from the field to the consumer, farmers can identify areas where food waste occurs and take corrective action. For example, they can monitor temperature, humidity, and other factors that impact crop quality during transportation and storage. Agrosmart is an agrotech company that has developed a platform that allows farmers to track their crops’ journey through the supply chain. The platform uses sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors that impact crop quality. By providing real-time data about their crops’ condition, farmers can make informed decisions about how to handle their products, reducing the risk of waste.

Predictive analytics

Predictive analytics is an essential tool in reducing food waste in the agriculture industry. By analyzing data such as weather patterns, market demand, and crop yields, farmers can make informed decisions about when to plant, fertilize, and harvest their crops. Predictive analytics can also help farmers identify potential issues that may impact crop health, such as pests or weather events. For example, a company called The Yield has developed a platform that uses predictive analytics to help farmers optimize their crop yield. The platform uses weather data and machine learning algorithms to predict crop growth and provide farmers with real-time recommendations about when to fertilize, irrigate, or harvest their crops.

Resource Optimization

Data analytics can help farmers optimize their resources, reducing the need for inputs and minimizing waste. By analyzing data such as soil quality, water usage, and weather patterns, farmers can make informed decisions about how to manage their resources more efficiently. This can reduce the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs that can contribute to waste. For example, a company called Conservis has developed a platform that allows farmers to track their resources and identify areas where waste occurs. The platform uses sensors to monitor soil quality, water usage, and other factors that impact crop health. By providing real-time data about their resources, farmers can make informed decisions about how to manage their inputs more efficiently, reducing waste and saving money.
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Waste Reduction

Agrotechs can help reduce waste by identifying areas where it occurs and taking corrective action. By analyzing data about the crop yield, market demand, and other factors that impact waste, farmers can make informed decisions about how to reduce waste. This can include adjusting their supply to match demand or finding alternative uses for crops that may otherwise be discarded. For example, a company called Winnow has developed a platform that uses data analytics to help reduce food waste in commercial kitchens. The platform uses scales and cameras to track the amount of food being thrown away and provides insights into where waste is occurring. By identifying areas where waste occurs, chefs can make changes to reduce waste and save money.

Smart Irrigation

Smart irrigation systems can help reduce water waste and improve crop yields. By using sensors and data analytics, farmers can optimize their irrigation systems to reduce water usage while ensuring crops receive the water they need to grow. This can reduce waste and save money on water and energy costs. For example, a company called CropX has developed a platform that uses sensors to measure soil moisture levels and other factors that impact crop health. The platform uses data analytics to provide farmers with real-time recommendations about when to irrigate their crops, how much water to use, and where to apply it. By optimizing their irrigation systems, farmers can reduce water waste and improve crop yields.

Food Recovery

Agrotechs can also help with food recovery efforts, which involve salvaging and redistributing food that would otherwise be wasted. By using data analytics to identify areas where food waste occurs, farmers can take steps to ensure their excess crops are donated or repurposed rather than discarded. For example, a company called Full Harvest has developed a platform that connects farmers with food manufacturers and distributors to sell excess crops that would otherwise go to waste. The platform uses data analytics to identify excess crops and match them with buyers who can use them. By repurposing these crops, farmers can reduce waste and earn additional income.

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture practices can also help reduce waste and improve crop yields. By using data analytics to analyze soil quality, water usage, and other factors, farmers can adopt practices that improve crop health and reduce waste. This can include using cover crops to improve soil quality or using precision agriculture techniques to minimize the use of inputs. For example, a company called Indigo Agriculture has developed a platform that uses data analytics to identify sustainable agriculture practices. The platform provides farmers with real-time recommendations about which inputs to use, when to plant, and how to manage their crops. By adopting these sustainable practices, farmers can reduce waste and improve their bottom line.
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Closing Thoughts

Agrotechs have the potential to help reduce food waste in the agriculture industry using data analytics. By leveraging data to improve crop management, supply chain management, predictive analytics, resource optimization, waste reduction, smart irrigation, food recovery, and sustainable agriculture practices, farmers can reduce waste and improve their bottom line. As the world’s population grows, the importance of reducing food waste will only increase, making agrotech a crucial tool in the fight against food waste. Featured Image Source: LS Retail
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This article was first published on 10th April 2023

nnaemeka-emmanuel

Nnaemeka is an academic scholar with a degree in History and International Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is also a creative writer, content creator, storyteller, and social analyst.

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