The world is facing a significant issue with the excessive use of pesticides, with an estimated 3 million tonnes being sprayed onto crops annually. This overuse of chemicals is causing harmful effects on the environment and human health as they runoff onto delicate land and seep into water sources. Despite this, the global sales of pesticides continue to grow, reaching $79 billion in 2022.
However, there is hope on the horizon as new spraying methods incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) are being developed and commercialized. These technologies aim to drastically reduce the amount of pesticides needed by up to 90%, offering a more sustainable solution for farmers. Additionally, the agricultural industry has already made progress in reducing overspray through the use of adjuvants, specialized additives that improve the effectiveness of sprays by enhancing their ability to stick to and penetrate leaves.
Furthermore, some crop sprayers have adopted innovative systems inspired by paint-spraying processes used in car factories. These systems generate an electrostatic charge on droplets, improving their adherence to foliage. While some may be skeptical of this technology, believing it works better on cars than plants, it represents a step towards more efficient and environmentally-friendly farming practices. With the development of these new technologies and strategies, the agricultural industry has the potential to reduce the harmful effects of pesticides and create a more sustainable future for crop production.