Tread lightly, farm smartly

Among the machinery on display at Fieragricola 2020 in Verona, Italy, were stand-out examples of the latest tractor and implement technology aimed at helping farmers achieve higher productivity, while also farming more sustainably.

- Denene Erasmus

The next 30 to 40 years will be a challenging time for farmers, who will have to find ways of producing more food with fewer resources.

It is expected that by 2050, the global population will peak at around nine billion, up from about 7,6 billion today. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the amount of arable land available on a per- capita basis will decline steadily over the next few decades, from 0,218ha per person today to 0,181ha per person in 2050. In contrast, global demand for food is projected to increase by between 50% and 100%, due to the combined effects of a growing population and increasing demand for a more protein-rich diet by the world’s emerging middle class.

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Meanwhile, farmers are also facing increased volatility in commodity prices and the cost of agricultural inputs. In order to produce enough food in a sustainable and profitable way, farmers will have little choice but to embrace new technology that can help increase crop yield per hectare, reduce production costs, and reduce the amount of inputs required, which will in turn improve soil health.

Fortunately, as was shown by the machinery and innovation from the 900 companies across the agricultural supply chain on display at this year’s Fieragricola in Verona, Italy, the latest equipment and technology from top manufacturers are designed to assist farmers increase productivity in a more sustainable way. More than 132 000 visitors from 20 countries attended the show, which took place from 29 January to 1 February.

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