Precision Agriculture in Denmark and China: A Comprehensive Comparative Review with Policy Implications for China

Abstract

The global trend of a fast-growing population leading to a desperate need for food and an ultimate environmental degradation due to unsustainable agricultural practices calls for drastic measures. Precision Agriculture (PA), an approach that combines management, engineering, and information technology in agricultural production has the potential to address this global phenomenon. This paper reviewed the state of PA in Denmark and China. A comprehensive literature search was employed to first understand the general aspects that affect the adoption, motivation, and barriers to the adoption of PA, then acquire an insight into the state of PA between the two countries. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations made. It was observed that the rate of adoption by Chinese farmers is very low mainly due to the Chinese traditional small farm size and typically lack of motivation, awareness, and perceived quantifiable benefits to adopting PA. Contrary, PA in Denmark has been practiced for over 15 years and the adoption rate has since been magnificent. Most PA adopters have relatively large farms, mostly young, and have undergone formal training. The Danish farmers have adopted a wide range of PA Technologies in their diverse agricultural system and information on PA technologies and adoption trends has been made readily accessible. Though the initial high cost of using PA Technologies seems to be the most common and major barrier to adopt PA by both Chinese and Danish farmers, the state of PA in Denmark is worthy of emulating by China.

Keywords: Precision Agriculture (PA) technology, farmer, adoption, motivation, barrier, Denmark, China.

DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/76-06

Publication date:June 30^th 2021