Numerous global trends are impacting food security, poverty levels, and the sustainability of food and agricultural systems. A report titled Agriculture 4.0 has been released by the World Government, highlighting four key factors exerting pressure on agriculture to fulfill future demands: demographic changes, natural resource scarcity, climate change, and food waste. According to the report, while demand for food continues to rise, it is projected that by 2050, food production must increase by 70 percent. At the same time, agriculture’s contribution to global GDP has diminished to a mere 3 percent, which is only one-third of its share from previous decades. Approximately 800 million individuals around the globe are currently experiencing hunger. If current trends persist, it is estimated that by 2030, 8 percent of the global population (around 650 million people) will still face undernourishment. The report emphasizes that there has been minimal innovation in the agricultural sector recently, with no clear indications that food scarcity and hunger will be resolved in the foreseeable future. Addressing these challenges will necessitate a collaborative approach involving governments, investors, and cutting-edge agricultural technologies. Agriculture 4.0 will shift away from the traditional methods of uniformly applying water, fertilizers, and pesticides across entire fields. Instead, farmers will focus on using the precise amounts needed for specific areas. The report also indicates that farms and agricultural practices will need to evolve significantly, driven by technological advancements such as sensors, devices, machinery, and information technology. Future agricultural practices will incorporate advanced technologies, including robotics, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial imagery, and GPS systems. These innovations in precision agriculture and robotic systems will enhance the profitability, efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability of farming operations.

 

Governments have the potential to significantly address the issue of food scarcity. They must adopt a more expansive and influential role beyond their conventional regulatory and facilitative responsibilities. By rethinking the traditional legacy model and implementing such initiatives, governments can:

• Guarantee food security while decreasing reliance on imports.
• Transform into net exporters of not just goods, but also intellectual property and innovative solutions.
• Enhance productivity and facilitate the transition to an economy driven by innovation and knowledge