Challenges of Adhering Technology 4.0 in Agriculture: A Perspective on Small Properties

This chapter aimed to track the 4.0 agricultural technologies used in soybean production by rural producers of a grain cooperative in Irati-PR. To qualify as Agriculture 4.0, several hyperconnected technologies aiding farmers’ decision-making are necessary. Commonly used technologies include sensors, robots, drones, Big Data, and analytical data management tools. The research methodology involved the application of a Google Forms questionnaire via WhatsApp from October 2023 to February 2024, with data analyzed using statistical analysis. The responses indicate that 80% of farmers have observed an increase in soybean production in the last 5 years, motivating their interest in adopting these technologies. However, adoption costs are high because Agriculture 4.0 requires multiple interconnected technologies accessed through the Internet. Limited Internet connectivity, due to the lack of fiber optics in much of the analyzed region, poses a constraint. Another limiting factor is the lack of operational and maintenance workforce, such as for drones. Despite seeking increased production and intending to invest in new technologies, properties lack the infrastructure to do so, even though 93% of them are small-scale. Nevertheless, technological tools are already being used in soybean production in the region: 6% for satellite crop monitoring; 15% with onboard computers; 13% with autopilot; 14% with machine sensors; 10% with cameras; and 6% with remote control software. Thus, although there is already access to technological tools and interest from producers in the Central South region of Paraná to adopt new technologies, limiting factors hinder the full integration of small farmers into Agriculture 4.0.