Effects of Technology on Food Production (Essay Sample)

EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON FOOD PRODUCTION2
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The gradual but steady increase in population has led to more demand for food and extra agricultural land to produce the food. Subsistence farming is slowly getting done away with due to the increase in demand of food. In order to cultivate enough food for this population, it has become necessary to incorporate all forms of technology in the field of agriculture to boost both plants and animals health as well as production. This remarkable feat of increasing food production is not easy in itself given the wide barriers that farmers and scientists face during technological advancements in any field. The impact of technological application on agriculture has been one of the best that mankind has ever taken to ensure the survival of its own race.
Food insecurity has always been a thorny issue for a lot of countries globally CITATION Wor13 \l 1033 (World Health Organisation, 2013). Thanks to the introduction of genetically modified food in the market, the issue is finally put to rest. The technological advancement in the production of genetically modified food has not only led to the increase in food production but also the development of plant species that are resistant to diseases and are drought tolerant CITATION Wor13 \l 1033 (World Health Organisation, 2013). GMO as they are popularly known have been able to single handedly turn the issue of food security into a thing of the past. Despite the numerous public outcry on code of ethics surrounding the fortification of different types of food with different kinds of nutrients, the effect of this marvelous leap in technological research is only felt in the third world countries where sufficient balanced diet meal is not common.
Livestock production is one of the most important source of food and a source of income for the numerous farmers rearing livestock. Major technological advancement in the field of biotechnology has led to the development of better breeds of animals that are able to produce high quality products and are resistant to diseases CITATION Ani13 \l 1033 (Animal Frontiers, 2013). One interesting technological innovation is the introduction of artificial insemination popularly known as A.I, this is one of the most remarkable steps in the field of animal husbandry.
It allows the farmer to choose a specific breed that is productive and commercially viable. This gives the farmer an edge in competition and also a big step towards his economic independence. The beef industry is estimated to have grown annually in the past 40 years into a whooping 40$ billion annual industry. These kind of massive profits are witnessed due to the intervention of technology CITATION Ani13 \l 1033 (Animal Frontiers, 2013).
Fresh and well preserved food is the joy to every consumer in the world. This simple and cherished fact is always made possible with the help of technology. The science in food preservation and processing is the main reason as to the constant smiles on the face of the consumers. The ability of food to remain fresh long after it is harvested is very important in order to conserve the nutrients found in the food. Food Preservatives and humectants such as nitrates, benzoic acid and polydextrose are very important in the preservation of food so as to prevent nutrient loss CITATION wik03 \l 1033 (wikipedia, 2103). Without technology all this will not be possible. Deep freezing technology is also vital in the preservation of food. Fishermen in deep seas are able to bring their catch back to shore to the consumers when the fish is still fresh and fit for human consumption.
This in itself is a clear indication as to the positive effect that technology has had on our food industry. To assert the point of food preservation, in economies that emphasize on the use of technology in agriculture, virtually 100% of the food reaches to the consumers compared to economies that are lagging technologically.
Lastly greenhouses used in the in food production enable the production of food all year round regardless of the season or the weather conditions. They have revolutionized farming and made it a reliable investment both in terms of food delivery and in terms of it being a source of economic empowerme...