2024, Vol. 7, Issue 12, Part I

author(s)
AAY Amarasinghe, STC Amarasinghe and KPGDM Polwaththa

abstract
Biotechnological tools are going to transform modern agricultural practices with their CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, nanotechnology, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled precision farming, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based analytics. These innovations support the development of more robust, nutrient-rich crops, resource-efficient farming systems, and sustainable food production methods. Nanotechnology allows for the utilization of agrochemical nano-carriers and biosensors to increase the nutrient uptake aforementioned while also sustaining the targeted real-time crop monitoring with increasing the yield and decreasing pollution. Precision irrigation systems have shown water savings of as much as 40 percent in arid and semi-arid regions exclusively with the use of IoT, blockchain technology brings trust to the supply chains by ensuring transparency that enhances consumer confidence and fair trade. Agriculture is made easier to low income farmers appreciations to cutting-edge tools powered by Artificial Intelligence, including Plantix which is useful for remote diagnosis for crop diseases. However, excessive investments, intricate laws, lack of skills, and uneagerness with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is what still hinders adoption while these advancements have taken place. A wall of limited finances and infrastructure combined with scarce training and scientific knowledge support, cripple smallholder farmers that are located in underdeveloped areas. With the aid of these innovations, further complicated by ethical concerns, monopolization of agro-resources, and environmental sustainability issues like biodiversity loss, lie considerable challenges yet to be overcome. On the plain evidences, biotechnological tools are touted because they have achieved the use of drought resistant crops, applying AI to anticipate yields, and utilizing nano cushions for greener patterns of agriculture. At the same time, it emphasizes the importance of decisive action such as special subsidies, improved legislation and educational programs to facilitate equal opportunities and implementation. AI driven predictive analytics for agro industries and blockchain support system of traceability are looking ahead into the future which will most probably transform the agriculture. Significantly removing the existing constraints, such solutions would support the development of an environmentally friendly, imposing, and all-encompassing food system that can respond to the needs of the world populations without endangering the environment for future offspring.