ABSTRACT
The convergence of advanced technologies has ushered in a new era of innovation in agriculture, transforming traditional farming practices into a highly efficient and data-driven landscape known as smart farming. First, this chapter delves into the pivotal role of IoT in smart farming, where interconnected devices and sensors enable real-time data collection on crucial agricultural parameters. Through IoT, farmers gain access to accurate insights into weather conditions, soil health, and crop status, facilitating precision agriculture and optimized resource allocation. Next, the chapter examines the synergies and applications of AI and IoT in smart farming. The marriage of analytical prowess of AI with data acquisition capabilities of IoT empowers farmers with predictive and prescriptive insights. AI-driven analytics process the massive amount of real-time data collected by IoT sensors, enabling proactive decision-making, optimized crop management, and improved livestock welfare. In addition to AI and IoT, blockchain technology also finds its place in smart farming. The chapter explores how blockchain’s decentralized and immutable ledger enhances traceability, transparency, and trust in the agricultural supply chain. By securing data on crop origins, production processes, and supply chain logistics, blockchain bolsters food safety and consumer confidence. Lastly, the chapter investigates digital twinning in smart farming. Digital twins, virtual representations of physical assets, systems, and processes, offer real-time monitoring and predictive capabilities. With the creation of virtual replicas of crops, livestock, and farm equipment, farmers can optimize farm operations, facilitate predictive maintenance, and foster resource-efficient practices.
