CLOUD COMPUTING IN AGRICULTURE.

I have recently read an interesting article about Cloud computing in Agriculture on Sourcetrace and how cloud computing applications can be applied to the agriculture sector to help it grow in multiple ways. When an organization outsources its computer infrastructure and shares them with the cloud, it allows the company to focus on its core business, instead of having to invest in computer infrastructure.

Cloud computing service providers typically work on a pay-as-you-go model. During my cloud computing training, I have learned that cloud computing allows the users to opt for options like Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). IaaS is one of the commonly used services, as it helps organizations do away with infrastructure costs.

Sourcetrace went on to speak about how cloud computing will help capture information related to all crops grown in the recent past and help farmers make decisions on what to grow next. It helps farmers make crop-related decisions that depend largely on soil information. It can also provide a trend of soil in the past, which will help predict trends in the future. For example, is the soil turning acidic/alkaline, or what other changes in nature and composition of soil can be seen?

Furthermore, the cloud can store region-specific weather information and the weather forecast for specific durations. The growth of various crops can be monitored in different regions, and at regular intervals. This enables current growth patterns to be compared to past growth patterns. Region-wise farmer data can capture, monitor, and study the involvement of local farmers. This can help in the identification of core agricultural areas. Scientists working at agriculture research stations can share their discoveries and suggestions regarding modern techniques for the cultivation, usage of fertilizers in the cloud.

Cloud computing can be useful in any kind of business. People from rural areas are unable to sell their products directly to the market. Many middlemen pop up in between the retail and production ends, which ultimately leads to the exploitation of the farmers. Through the agricultural management information system of cloud computing, farmers can sell their products directly to end-users or retailers. Being a Junior Cloud Associate means that I will also be part of this evolution since I am fervent of agriculture.

Reference : www.sourcetrace.com