From poor soil to inadequate levels of precipitation, Greek farmers face major drawbacks in their fields. The struggles of Greece’s agricultural sector can harm the economy and cause major food insecurity among families, but farmers are finding hope in high technology and its recent emergence in farming practices.

Greek Farmers Are Struggling With Crop Outputs

Greek farmers struggle with Greece’s dry and rocky land and lack important resources, such as water for their crops. The result is a low crop output, and many farmers have left the agricultural sector for higher-paid jobs. As of 2023, agriculture represents only 4.1% of Greece’s GDP. This is half of what it was in 2003. 

Low Crop Output Causes Food Insecurity and Harms the Economy

Although it does not have a high contribution to Greece’s GDP, the agricultural sector of Greece is quite essential, as it still accounts for a third of total exports from Greece, with fruit and cotton among the top exports. The big issue here is that Greece imports significantly more food than it exports. This economic crisis is related to the food insecurity that many poor families face. Therefore, addressing the economic aspect of the situation might target food insecurity among impoverished populations as well. 

How Does Smart Farming in Greece Help?

High-technology farming apps can provide farmers with practical information, such as microclimate data, humidity data and soil nitrogen levels. This is highly advanced quantitative information that cannot be deduced by the naked eye alone. With this high-speed data, farmers can stop their overuse of resources, such as fertilizer and irrigation. This allows farmers to save their money on soil and water, benefitting both themselves and the environment. This is especially useful for Greece’s agricultural sector since it has been low on water. 

As well as reducing costs, smart farming apps can improve both the quantitative and qualitative value of crops. In one account, a farmer was able to use up to 40% less fertilizer on his field and save around €9,000. This can both increase farmer finances and reduce food insecurity. 

Gaiasense is an example of one of these applications. Continuously recording and analyzing data from fields, it provides the necessary technological tools for farmers and addresses the threats that might affect crop production. Every few days, a satellite image enters Gaiasense, providing information about crop production, no matter the location. Gaiasense sensors within representative points of Greek agricultural lands and farmers’ crops take quantitative measurements from the air, soil and crops. With easy smart farming tools such as Gaiasense, farmers can easily record their work, the new technology they applied, and the results of the harvest without needing to be experts in technology.

Why Farming Apps Are Making Slow Progress in Greece

Although they have proven themselves to be extremely beneficial for both farmers and citizens who depend on a bountiful output of crops, smart farming apps are making slow progress in Greece. This is due to an overwhelming preference for old-fashioned methods, seen as the safer route to crop production. Yet, these methods do not seem to work well in Greece’s agricultural sector, and a new age of high technology might be necessary to conserve materials and boost crop production.

Additionally, Greek farms are typically family-owned businesses or involve rented fields. This makes investments in new tools and practices less appealing to the average Greek farmer. Low productivity has also been attributed to the small plots of land that are typically used by Greek farmers. Smart farming apps could provide the gateway to larger fields, as farmers will be able to save money and afford larger plots of land. Although farming apps might seem like a large investment, the equipment that is used is not expensive and doesn’t involve any specialized digital skills. 

Conclusion

Although there is slow progress, smart farming apps might be the gateway to begin fixing Greece’s economy and helping affected citizens out of poverty. With the advent of new problems comes a need for new strategies and technologies to fix those problems, and smart farming apps seem like the smart option for Greece’s agricultural sector. 

– Sophia Holub
Photo: Flickr