EFFECTS OF INDUSTRY 4.0 APPLICATIONS ON THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Abstract

Abstract

From the Neolithic era, when human communities first began practicing agriculture, to the present day, there has been a significant shift in the agricultural production process from traditional farming to 3D printing. Throughout the course of history, all industrial revolutions have inevitably influenced the agricultural sector. It is well-known that agriculture has faced significant pressures related to demographics, natural resource scarcity, climate change, and food waste. With the rapid growth of the world population, the risk of agricultural production, especially food production, falling short has increased, making it increasingly important to address agricultural production issues. To address these issues, new methods and production technologies have been required in the agricultural sector.
The purpose of this study is to investigate to what extent Industry 4.0 applications will be effective in solving the existing problems in agricultural production. The study discusses the challenges that adversely affect global agricultural production. The literature on Industry 4.0 applications currently used in the agricultural sector is reviewed, and the possible future effects of these applications on the agricultural sector and overall economic growth are examined.
In this context, the study explores the areas in which Industry 4.0 applications are currently being used in agricultural production, their contributions to production, and their potential effective role in solving problems. These applications are expected to have a positive impact on economic parameters such as production, efficiency, and competitive advantage, ultimately benefiting economic growth. Furthermore, with the use of other new agricultural production methods such as vertical farming and automation, it may be possible to ensure sufficient food production for the world's population in the future. Industry 4.0 applications contribute to solving problems such as preventing an increase in food prices by increasing production, eliminating the risk of scarcity, reducing costs by using fewer inputs in precision farming, reducing environmental pollution, and transitioning to robotic applications in areas where labor supply is challenging. The result of digitization in the agricultural sector due to these applications is leading to unprecedented major economic changes with significant economic impacts.