Role of 5G Technology in Enhancing Agricultural Mechanization

Abstract

Advanced mechanization strategies such as site specific crop management machinery, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), robotic harvesters relies greatly on the precision technologies and IoT. Present networks (3G/4G), WiFi are in limited availability and bandwidth that cause delays in data transfer (latency) and hinder effective data transfer. But high-speed communication system, reliable and secured data connection is required for precision agriculture, cyber physical management systems and use of IoT in farm operations. Loss of data connection between devices, sensors or data servers’ impacts the precision and effectiveness of technology applied. High data transfer volumes and low latency data exchange were the major advantages of 5G technology, facilitates its use in precision farming and IoT applications in a most efficient way. It also enables the autonomous and robotic machinery for various operations in the aspects of agriculture and livestock production. The major application of 5G in mechanization is control systems for robotic harvesters, drones, autonomous vehicles, surveillance etc. Remote locations such as hill farms has the inherent constraints such as remoteness, marginality, slope etc., remains underutilized, can be developed with advanced communication systems. Even though there are several constraints in adoption of 5G technology, such as shortage in electricity supply, lower range coverage, the technology can ensure raise in agricultural production through mechanization. The chapter discusses the advancements in application of 5G technology in agricultural mechanization.