AGRICULTURE 4.0

Industry 4.0, or Industry 4.0, is a comprehensive concept involving the integrated use of modern automation systems, data exchange, and manufacturing technologies.

This paradigm generally consists of three core components: 1. The Internet of Things (IoT), 2. The Internet of Services (IoS), and 3. Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). The Internet of Things refers to a network structure that enables physical objects equipped with sensors, software, and other technologies to exchange data over the internet and interact with each other and other systems. The Internet of Services is a framework that connects people, business processes, and physical systems to enable the delivery and utilization of digital services. Cyber-Physical Systems are integrated systems that monitor and control physical processes in the real world through digital environments, combining physical and cyber components. Industry 4.0 emerged as a result of the development and integration of these technologies and has brought revolutionary transformations to production processes.

To meet the rapidly growing global population and the consequent increase in food demand, industrial technologies have been adapted to the agricultural sector. Agriculture 4.0^【1】 is the reflection of the Industry 4.0^【2】 concept in agricultural production and represents a transformation process aimed at making agricultural activities more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent through the use of digital technologies. Within this framework, innovative tools such as sensors, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, robotic systems, and remote sensing technologies are employed to enhance productivity and resource use efficiency in agriculture.

Agriculture 1.0: Steam Power and Mechanization

Simultaneous with Industry 1.0, which began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and introduced steam and water power into production, agriculture entered a process of mechanization. This period witnessed the emergence of the first farm machinery powered by steam, alongside human and animal labor. However, production volume and efficiency remained low, largely due to reliance on human labor and limited mechanization.

Agriculture 2.0: The Green Revolution and Motorized Agriculture

Significant changes occurred in the agricultural sector from the late 1950s onward, influenced by Industry 2.0 (mass production using electrical energy). The widespread adoption of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilizers, and larger, motorized farm machinery—particularly tractors—significantly reduced production costs and symbolized the transition to Agriculture 2.0, known as the Green Revolution. During this period, agricultural productivity experienced a noticeable increase.

Agriculture 3.0: Precision Agriculture and Digitalization

In the late 20th century, particularly during the 1990s, the concept of Precision Agriculture came to the forefront with the opening of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals for civilian use. Influenced by Industry 3.0 (the digital revolution and the use of electronics and Information Technology), the first steps toward automation in agriculture were taken, with pioneering digital applications such as field-specific variable application, yield mapping, and automated guidance systems being adopted. This era marked a transitional phase in which agricultural data began to be collected systematically.

Agriculture 4.0: Smart Agriculture and Integration of Cyber-Physical Systems

The full integration of information technologies with industry, introduced in Germany in 2011 under the term Industry 4.0, triggered a revolutionary change in the agricultural sector and placed the concept of Smart Agriculture at its center. Agriculture 4.0 involves the adaptation of technologies underpinning Industry 4.0—namely the Internet of Things (IoT), the Internet of Services, and Cyber-Physical Systems—to agriculture. This era is based on real-time monitoring of agricultural activities, comprehensive data analysis, and management through optimized decision-making.

Core Components and Broad Application Areas of Agriculture 4.0

Smart Agriculture aims to enhance the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of agricultural production through modern technological tools and management principles. Its core components and broad application areas include:

• Internet of Things (IoT): Sensor networks and smart devices on farms collect real-time and continuous data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, plant health, livestock physical conditions, and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light. These data form the foundation for making timely and accurate decisions.
• Big Data and Advanced Analytics: Massive datasets gathered from IoT devices and other sources—such as satellite imagery and weather data—are processed using powerful analytical tools and transformed into meaningful insights. This enables complex inferences such as future yield predictions and disease or pest risk analyses.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Results from data analysis are optimized using AI algorithms and machine learning models. These technologies provide intelligent decision support systems across a wide range of applications, from autonomous irrigation and fertilization systems to early detection of plant diseases and determination of optimal planting and harvesting times.
• Autonomous Systems and Robotics: Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and agricultural robots increase efficiency and precision by minimizing human intervention in activities such as planting, spraying, harvesting, monitoring, and irrigation. Drones are effective in rapidly scanning large areas and generating plant health maps, while robots are used for tasks requiring high precision, such as targeted planting and spraying.
• Cloud Computing: Flexible and scalable cloud infrastructure is critical for securely storing, processing, and making agricultural data accessible to stakeholders. This enables farmers to access and analyze data from anywhere at any time.

Global Impacts, Benefits, and Challenges of Agriculture 4.0

Applications of Agriculture 4.0 are critically important for ensuring global food security and preserving natural resources. According to reports from IBM’s Food and Agriculture Organization, to feed the world’s population by 2050, current agricultural production must be increased by 70 percent. Agriculture 4.0 is widely regarded as a fundamental tool in achieving this goal.

On-farm^【3】 has provided concrete data supporting the benefits of these applications, including a 1.75 percent increase in farm-level productivity, energy cost reductions of $7 to $13 per acre, and an 8 percent savings in irrigation water use. Approximately 80 percent of farmers in the United States utilize these technologies, while in Europe the figure is around 24 percent.^【4】

However, significant challenges accompany the transition to digitalization. A lack of awareness among producers regarding information technologies and insufficient levels of digital literacy hinder the widespread adoption of these technologies. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure in rural areas and high initial costs represent major barriers.

Application Areas of Smart Agriculture within Agriculture 4.0

Precision Agriculture

• Imaging and Phytobiological Information
• Remote Sensing via Satellites and Aerial Vehicles
• Speaking Plants and Speaking Fruits Approaches
• Machine Vision in Agriculture
• Control of Fertilizer Application
• Detection and Information Management in Plant Protection
• Application Techniques in Plant Protection
• Information Technology Applications in Greenhouse Farming
• Precision Livestock Farming
• Information Technologies in Aquaculture
• Advanced Life Support Systems in Space

Management Decision Support Systems

• Farm and Product Management Systems
• Information Technologies in Livestock Shelter Design
• Visualization, Prediction, and Control of Micro-Environments
• Information Technologies in Water Management—Geographic Information Systems
• 3D Animation and Virtual Reality

Communication Issues and Internet Use

• Special Communication Systems and Standards for Agricultural Applications
• Remote Services and Maintenance: E-Commerce, E-Business, E-Consulting, E-Support—Storage and Processing of Food and Raw Materials
• Quality Issues in the Agricultural Production Chain
• Low-Cost Information Technologies for Developing Countries

The digital agriculture applications mentioned above offer advantages such as high yields and water-saving irrigation planning. However, challenges arise during the transition to digitalization, including lack of awareness among producers and insufficient digital literacy in information technologies.

Global Application Examples and Analysis and Implications for Türkiye

Several countries worldwide have achieved notable success in implementing Agriculture 4.0 and significantly improved their agricultural productivity:

• Netherlands: Despite its small geographic size, the Netherlands has developed an extremely efficient model for water and fertilizer use through precision agriculture and has become one of the world’s leading agricultural exporters. Collaboration among industry, universities, and government (the triple helix model) continuously enhances the Netherlands’ competitiveness in this field.
• Taiwan: By achieving success in digital agriculture applications, Taiwan has demonstrated the potential to generate high-yield agricultural income at lower costs.
• Corporate Examples: The German company CLASS offers smart solutions such as monitoring livestock herds with sensors and sending SMS alerts, while Bosch’s smart technologies have been used to optimize irrigation systems in olive groves in Spain.

Türkiye, due to its strategic geographic location and rich plant biodiversity, possesses high agricultural potential. To fully leverage these unique advantages and overcome existing challenges, Türkiye must place great importance on the concept of Agriculture 4.0. Steps such as expanding the adoption of smart irrigation systems, consolidating agricultural land, educating farmers in digital literacy and technology use, providing effective advisory services, and increasing R&D investments are expected to reduce costs and sustainably enhance agricultural productivity. This transformation is critically important for ensuring the country’s food security and strengthening its agricultural competitiveness. It is widely argued that during this process, the demand for skilled, educated farmers, agricultural engineers, and technicians will continue to grow.