What Technology in Farming Can Overcome Food Shortages?

Since 1948, U.S. agricultural production has doubled, while labor investments have slightly declined. The massive growth is due to technologies which have increased food yield per acre and per animal on successful farms. Further technical research can prevent food shortages through larger harvests, improved productivity and better storage.

Increasing Production

• Selective breeding allowed the creation of the corn we eat today.

  Scientific analysis and satellite tracking allows farmers to seed, fertilize and irrigate land with minimal waste of water and other supplies, lowering costs. Satellite tracking ensures they harvest when crops peak, meaning a greater yield. More-effective fertilizers, without harmful phosphate chemicals, allow greater productivity from land without stripping it of vital nutrients. Genetic engineering allows for drought-resistant fruits, freeze-resistant vegetables, and insect-resistant crops. Potatoes and corn can be modified to increase nutritional profiles, with added protein and high levels of vitamins.

Transportation Improvements

• Machinery rather than human energy vastly increased farm size and crop yield.

  Lighter, more fuel-efficient trucks save on gasoline and both protect the environment and reduce shipping costs. With lower shipping costs, food transport to poor and rural areas is feasible. Improved scheduling and tracking of orders prevents food spoilage, meaning less food lost in transport and greater profits, which makes food transport to desperate areas possible. Additionally, improved cooling containers and preservation techniques save energy--and therefore money--while taking up less space than previous versions. This packs greater amounts of food into smaller spaces, improving shipping efficiency. Overall these transportation advances make shipping food to regions with food shortages more cost effective and efficient, helping areas with high need.

Future Improvements

• Farm technology extends to the trucks which transport food worldwide.

  Farm Industry News reported in March 2003 that by 2012, sensor technology will emerge on cutting-edge farms. The sensors will monitor all crop and livestock conditions, meaning farmers can instantly react to problems and make necessary changes. Much of their previous work will be automated, allowing greater precision in modifications. For instance, rather than simply irrigating during periods of drought, sensors will monitor soil conditions for exact levels of moisture and only provide water to specific patches of land at necessary times, rather than simply sprinkling water across an entire acreage when soil appears dry.

  Automated controls of processing will reduce the need for human labor, decreasing farm operating costs and allowing more investment in increasing farm size and harvest yields.