1. Brainstorm words connected with modern technology in agriculture. When you have finished, check for more words by looking at the text “Modern Technology for Sustainable Agricultural Systems”

2. Consider the questions and be ready to answer them as soon as you read the text.

1. What is one of the most critical challenges for the future of humanity ?

2. List the types / kinds of agricultural production that have been improved due to the concepts of modern technologies.

3. What is used to reduce the incidence of pests and diseases?

4. What is used instead of broad-spectrum pesticides?

5. What has helped farmers to reduce costs and improve products?

6. What be used to provide farmers with tools and resources to make farming more sustainable.

7. What can provide farmers with information for realizing precision agriculture?

8. Be ready to summarize briefly information given in the text.

Modern Technology for Sustainable Agricultural Systems

The world population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050. Therefore, managing agricultural production systems on a sustainable basis is one of the most critical challenges for the future of humanity. Technological advancements must be used to provide farmers with tools and resources to make farming more sustainable. Concepts of modern technologies in agricultural systems have given an important role for the improvement of agricultural productions e.g. crop yield, livestock production, aquaculture production, and sustainable agriculture, in order to maintain food security. 

It has been shown that modern agricultural technology can substantially improve agricultural production and sustainability. For instance, best management practices are widely applied nowadays. It relies on targeting many of their applications, not broadcasting as was done in the past. New disease resistant hybrids, biological pest control, reduced pesticide use, cultural practices that can reduce the incidence of pests and diseases, and better placement and reduced amounts of fertilizers are all being employed. Insect-specific chemicals and biological insect controls are now being utilized, instead of broad-spectrum pesticides, which actually reduce the number of sprays needed and therefore its capitals. Organic farming by using only organic fertilizer has helped farmers to reduce costs and improve products. Crop models, GIS, and remote sensing can provide farmers with information for realizing precision agriculture, which is done by matching inputs based on actual yields of different portions on the field. These tools also allow agriculture to manage land for both agriculture and wildlife.