The use of RFID in agriculture enables farmers to track the location, health, and other parameters of their animals. The tags are embedded on the collars of the animals, and RFID readers are installed in the funnel-shaped fodder and milking areas. The system is equipped with graphical user interface (GUI) software and a database that stores information about each animal, allowing farmers to optimize animal feeding. In the event of an outbreak of an illness, farmers can quarantine specific herds with the use of RFID.
In addition to facilitating agrochemical management, RFID tags can also help with plant health management.
RFID can identify lost plants, reduce the spread of plant pathogens, and even provide a way to trace the crops. In a study conducted by Kumagai and Miller, RFID tags were embedded into mango trees. The researchers used the tags to link phenotypic data. Similarly, mobile devices were used by the researchers to update their virtual orchards while on the field.
The applications of RFID in agriculture are divided into several categories, depending on their purposes. Commercial, Transportation, Logistics & Supply Chain, Aerospace & Defense, Retail, Sports, and Animal Tracking are some of the segments within this field. In commercial and logistical sectors, RFID solutions can improve supply chains. Supply chain corporations are concerned with the delivery of a product to customers. RFID solutions can improve the supply chain by providing the necessary information to farmers and processing companies.
The IT revolution has made it economical to track food products and manage the equipment and personnel in a greenhouse. Despite these benefits, RFID in agriculture hasn’t taken off. Though it’s been used in livestock farming, adoption of the technology has been slow. In plants, the cost of microchips may be an obstacle. However, the cost of microchips may be affordable for high-value certified plants. Additionally, it is not known how long microchips will last in a plant.
RFID in agriculture can help farmers manage and monitor soil chemistry, humidity, sunlight, and temperature. It can also help farmers track weeds and diseases. Farmers can use a real-time locating system or internet services to make decisions about their crops. This technology has been used by some farmers to deliver five crops per year, despite the fact that it’s still early in its development. If successful, RFID will help farmers grow crops more efficiently and profitably.
RFID has been used in several areas of agriculture, including piglet tagging, which has given farmers better access to their livestock and helped farmers make informed decisions. RFID can also help in weighing, feeding, and conservation. In addition, RFID can help farmers with disease management. The use of RFID in agriculture will continue to grow, and it’s just the beginning. Fingerprints are the most popular way to track the movement of livestock.
Despite its numerous benefits, RFID in agriculture may come with a few drawbacks.
RFID is expensive, and initial costs may be prohibitive for some companies. However, it will pay off in the long run. It will reduce fuel and labor costs. In addition, RFID will improve fuel management and curb excessive fuel usage. RFID can also prevent misuse of agricultural vehicles. So, farmers can reap benefits from RFID in agriculture. However, it is important to remember that the initial cost of using RFID in agriculture is high.