Smart farming

Smart Farming in Potato Cultivation

Smart farming in potato cultivation integrates artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and decision support systems to optimize processes from planting to post-harvest, enhancing efficiency and innovation. This technology-driven approach tackles major challenges in potato productiona vital global staple with an output exceeding 368 million metric tons in 2023, primarily from China, India and the United States.

By enabling precise, data-driven decisions, smart farming can boost yields by up to 20%, cut input use by 15–30%, and reduce post-harvest losses, which currently range between 20–30% worldwide. These improvements not only enhance profitability but also promote sustainability through lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved soil health and efficient resource management.

Recent developments, such as AI-powered predictive analytics and drone-based multispectral imaging are driving widespread adoption in technologically advanced regions like Idaho (USA) and the Netherlands. However, challenges remain particularly the high upfront costs (approximately USD 6,000 for a basic drone system) and limited rural internet connectivity. Addressing these constraints through affordable technologies and infrastructure support is crucial for empowering smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of potato production in developing regions.

An overview of smart farming in potato cultivation, showing technology-enhanced fields.

What Is Smart Farming? 

Smart farming, also known as precision agriculture, leverages artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, drones (UAVs), satellites and decision support systems (DSS) to optimize potato production under challenges such as climate variability, resource limitations and disease pressures like late blight, which can cause yield losses of up to 20%.

During 2024–2025, innovations such as AI–IoT integrated pivots for early disease detection and multirotor UAVs equipped with smart sensors have significantly expanded the scope of precision farming. These technologies enable real-time field monitoring, data collection and automated interventions across the potato value chain.

For example, platforms like Farmevo’s Lense AI utilize drone imagery and geospatial analytics to forecast yields with up to 85% accuracy while identifying early stress indicators in potato crops. This data-driven approach not only enhances productivity potentially by 5–50% in regenerative systems but also strengthens sustainability by reducing chemical inputs, improving soil health and enhancing carbon sequestration. Overall, smart farming aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those targeting zero hunger and climate action, by promoting resilient and resource-efficient potato production systems.

Application of Smart Farming in Different Stages of Potato Cultivation

Smart farming is transforming potato cultivation by delivering real-time, data-driven insights and automating labor-intensive processes across all production stages. Through the integration of digital tools, machine learning and sensor based technologies, farmers can align operations with best management practices (BMPs) to enhance productivity, optimize input efficiency, and reduce environmental footprints. This holistic approach enables precise decision-making from land preparation and planting to harvesting and storage, ensuring sustainable and profitable potato production.

Sowing/Planting

The sowing phase lays the foundation for successful potato production, encompassing soil preparation, selection of certified seed tubers (with a target of 95% disease-free quality) and precision planting to ensure uniform emergence. Traditional practices often result in 10–20% seed wastage due to uneven spacing and depth, but smart farming tools mitigate these inefficiencies through automation and real-time analytics.

Deep tillage combined with multi year crop rotations such as planting potatoes after legumes or cereals instead of other Solanaceae enhances soil organic matter by 1–2% over successive cycles and reduces erosion by up to 30%. GPS-guided planters equipped with variable rate technology (VRT) adjust seed spacing and planting depth according to soil variability maps, cutting seed use by 10–15% while improving stand uniformity.

IoT-based soil sensors continuously monitor parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC) and pH (optimal range 5.5–6.5), while AI-driven weather forecasting models identify frost-free planting windows, allowing growers to delay sowing by 7–10 days in variable climates to prevent early-season losses.

In the Czech Republic, variable rate planting trials in Central Bohemia demonstrated a 15% increase in yield and 12% cost savings through reduced seed waste using satellite guided data. Similarly, digital platforms like Cropin’s PoP integrate crop rotation histories to generate agronomic alerts, and GIS-based mapping in seed production has improved fuel efficiency by up to 20%. Emerging AI applications, such as microbial DNA analysis developed at Utrecht University, now enable the selection of resilient potato varieties, further enhancing crop establishment and early growth.

Drones Measure Nitrogen Application in Potato Farming

Pre-Harvest (Growth and Development)

The pre-harvest period spans 100–120 days, comprising vegetative growth (weeks 1–4, with 70–80% soil moisture), tuber initiation (weeks 5–8), and bulking (weeks 9 onward), during which approximately 70% of inputs are applied. Yields can vary by 20–30% due to biotic and abiotic stresses.

IoT networks, equipped with over 100 sensors per hectare, monitor evapotranspiration, enabling variable-rate drip irrigation that saves 20–30% water. In Idaho, drones deployed over 500-acre fields with multispectral sensors map nitrogen deficiencies, allowing targeted fertilization that reduces inputs by 25% and increases yields by 10% (approximately 50 tons per field).

AI-based disease early warning systems (AI-DEWS), integrated with weather APIs, can predict late blight 7–10 days in advance, reducing fungicide usage by 15–56%. For example, trials in the Netherlands identified 10% of infected zones, preventing losses of up to 15 tons. EOSDA satellites and Utrecht’s AI-driven tools forecast crop growth using drone imagery, supporting regenerative practices that boosted European yields by 5% under Cropin’s FIRST initiative.

In Australia’s Ballarat region, hyperspectral drones analyzed 270 light bands to monitor nutrient uptake, enabling yield gains of 15% (around 20 tons per field) while reducing fertilizer use by 25%. Best management practices (BMPs) prioritize integrated pest management (IPM) supported by remote sensing, cutting environmental impacts by 10–20%.

Enhancing Potato Cultivation Efficiency with EOSDA Crop Monitoring

Smart Harvesting

Smart Harvesting Harvesting typically occurs at 100–120 days, triggered by approximately 50% haulm senescence, though mistiming can result in 5–10% losses due to damage or premature digging. Smart systems employ growing degree day (GDD) models with a 7°C base, achieving predictions accurate to ±3 days.

GPS-enabled UGVs and AI-driven robots gently lift tubers, reducing bruising by 40% and soil compaction by 25%. Integrated yield monitors feed decision support systems (DSS) to optimize truck routing, cutting fuel consumption by 15%. Platforms like Agremo analyze drone imagery for plant density and stay-green status, guiding interventions to extend crop maturity.

In North Dakota, post-flood drone surveys salvaged 80% of a 150-acre field (120 tons) within hours by mapping damage, supporting insurance claims worth USD 50,000. Generative AI assists in scheduling, while irrigation cessation 10–12 days before harvest helps curb disease incidence. Precision agricultural technologies (PATs) like these have demonstrated cost reductions of up to 20% in trials.

Post-Harvest

Post-harvest losses in India reach 20–30% due to suboptimal storage conditions (ideal: 4–7°C, 95% relative humidity), impacting approximately 50 million tons annually. IoT and AI innovations can extend shelf life to 6–9 months.

DATOMS’ Cold Storage Monitoring system tracks temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and door activity via sensors, issuing alerts for deviations and preventing 10–15% rot. AI-driven computer vision grading achieves 95% accuracy in sorting defective produce while predicting market value. SmartStor adiabatic storage systems reduce energy consumption by 30% and limit weight loss to below 5%.

Cellar Insights’ AI monitors decomposing gases before spoilage occurs, cutting losses by 20% in pilot trials. Cropin’s logistics platforms enhance traceability and integrate with blockchain to secure price premiums. Studies on analogous crops, such as sweet potato, demonstrate up to 15% efficiency gains. Best management practices (BMPs) emphasize continuous monitoring through precision agricultural technologies (PATs).

Key Benefits of Smart Farming in Potato Cultivation

Increased Yields and Quality: AI-driven variety selection and continuous crop monitoring can boost yields by 5–20%. Examples include a 1.5% increase in starch content and up to 28% yield improvement through mulching in climate-smart trials.

Resource Efficiency: Precision agriculture reduces inputs significantly water by 5–30%, pesticides by 15%, and fertilizer by 25%. For instance, variable-rate technology (VRT) in Czech trials saved 20% of resources while maintaining yield.

Environmental Sustainability: Smart farming practices lower greenhouse gas emissions by 9–20% and enhance carbon sequestration in regenerative systems. In the UK, adoption of best practices reduced nitrate runoff by 10%.

Economic Gains: Cost savings range from 12–25%, with higher profits reported for example, USD 20,000 per hectare in Indian farms. Mid-scale farms can achieve ROI within 1–2 years.

Risk Mitigation and Scalability:Advanced monitoring and integrated pest management achieve 70–90% pest control, bridging gaps for smallholders. Programs like McCain’s target 50% adoption of smart technologies by 2030, supporting scalable, resilient production systems.

Challenges and Adoption Barriers

<Global adoption of smart farming technologies remains low, at 20–30%, particularly among smallholders who represent 80% of potato producers.

Technical Challenges: IoT network failures in roughly 10% of rural areas delay early detection, while fragmented data systems hinder integration across platforms.

Economic Constraints: Upfront costs of USD 5,000–10,000 and uncertain 2–3 year ROI deter many farmers. Subsidies, such as those covering 40% of costs in India are not universally available.

Social and Climate Factors: About 60% of farmers lack adequate training, and privacy concerns limit adoption for 30% of producers. Extreme weather events further exacerbate soil degradation and operational risks.

Solutions focus on cooperative models, AI-based training applications, and incentive programs like the EU’s CAP funding, aiming to achieve 50% regenerative acreage by 2030.

"Smart farming transforms the humble field into a high-tech haven, where data driven precision cultivates crops, boosts yields and secures a sustainable future for global agriculture."