Agricultural innovations over the last century

1. Mechanization (1920s–1950s)

• Tractors replaced horses and manual labor.
• Combine harvesters increased efficiency in grain production.
• Irrigation systems expanded arable land.

2. Green Revolution (1940s–1970s)

• High-yield crop varieties (HYVs) like dwarf wheat and rice.
• Chemical fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) increased productivity.
• Pesticides and herbicides controlled pests and weeds.
• Expansion of monoculture farming.

3. Genetic Modification & Biotechnology (1980s–present)

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) like Bt corn and Roundup Ready soybeans.
• CRISPR and gene-editing to enhance crop resistance.
• Cloning and artificial selection for improved livestock breeds.

4. Precision Agriculture (1990s–present)

• GPS-guided tractors and drones for field mapping.
• Sensor technology for real-time soil and crop monitoring.
• Automated irrigation systems and variable rate application of inputs.

5. Sustainable & Regenerative Agriculture (2000s–present)

• No-till and cover cropping to improve soil health.
• Organic farming and permaculture practices.
• Vertical farming and hydroponics for urban agriculture.

6. Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (2010s–present)

• Autonomous harvesters and AI-driven pest detection.
• Smart irrigation systems reducing water use.
• Blockchain technology for food traceability and supply chain management.