The world’s population has rocketed to 7.5 billion – so it comes as no surprise that technology is transforming the food industry to meet ever-increasing demands. The use of tech in the processing and packaging of food can improve its shelf life, safety, and quality. Technology is playing a huge impact when it comes to the aspect of food production. The main developments include the increasing use of robotics and machines to speed up the production process, increase productivity and keep the food fresh for longer.
One recent tech development is 3D printing, which is opening the door to creating food products that weren’t possible before, while also helping with food sustainability. Other developments include precision agriculture using drones and robotics, and digitizing to reduce waste and find alternatives to harmful packaging like plastic.
Drones
Drones enable the operators to see everything that’s happening in several fields at the touch of a button, rather than using the old-fashioned method of walking and manually checking the crops. Analyzing the drones’ data enables farmers to test the soil and assess the health of the crop. The drones can also spray with fertilizers and pesticides while enabling farmers to assess whether crops are damaged by pests or disease, so they can resolve the problem immediately.
Self-driving vehicles
In the same way that drones can monitor and spray crops, automated tractors will enable farmers to produce more crops faster. A number of fields can be worked simultaneously, using the same number or fewer workers.
Tractors are controlled and monitored remotely, freeing up workers to carry out other tasks. They make it possible for work to be carried out seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Farms can also use water more efficiently with automated irrigation systems, which will collect data about the soil and water levels.
Farmers are always battling changes in the weather, but scientists say that in the future, the latest technology will enable them to complete their whole harvest using automated vehicles. This means that if a change in the weather is imminent, it will be time to “send in the big boys”, in terms of harvesting machinery that can get the job done in record time.
Reducing waste
Consumers are increasingly concerned about buying healthy and sustainable goods, as warnings about waste are starting to get through to people. Shoppers are paying attention to labels and looking out for food items that will help them “go green”.
One of the biggest issues in recent years has been trying to reduce the amount of waste packaging, such as plastics, which are damaging the environment when not properly disposed of or recycled. Using robotic and digital tech is creating innovative new products, such as edible packaging, micro-packaging, and even packaging that helps to fight bacteria.
In the United States, research shows that 40% of food is thrown away annually. Now, new technology is being created to ensure the extra food doesn’t go to waste. Apps are under development to create a food waste reduction dashboard.
Businesses who have surplus food will be able to get in touch with local shelters, charities, and after-school programs, via the app, to make sure the food goes to the people who need it. Surplus is managed and tracked by analytical software, which helps businesses to reduce overall food waste and save money.
With the many advances in technology, there is a multitude of ways that can transform the way we produce food. It could be the key to eliminating world hunger, coping with the dietary needs of a growing population, and solving our waste problem.
Our company RCL SAFETY CENTRE, is an indigenous company dedicated to health safety and environment training and services.
The National Food Safety Summit will bring together everyone who operates in the food/hospitality industry. Attendees will learn the roles of monitoring in the food business by the regulatory agency; NISCN, NAFDAC, SON, Ministry of Health and the importance of such monitoring, the use of technology in training food vendors and those in the hospitality business, reasons for compliance to statutory regulations in the food industry and simple remedies for food poisoning in public spaces.
SUMMIT/Exhibition Date: 28th July 2022(Abuja). 28th August 2022 (Lagos).
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm
SUMMIT Materials: All Summit presentations will be available for download on foodsafety.org.ng portal.
Exhibitors: Host companies and NISCN Member companies.
Visitors: 5000 expected professionals from all parts of the country.
Admission: Professional visitors, Admission is free upon registration.
Website: www.foodsafety.org.ng
Tele: 08099700070, 08099600070, 09057666623