Written by Emily Rego, University of Pennsylvania graduate student, on behalf of CropLife International
Once primarily associated with gaming and entertainment, Virtual Reality (VR) is now proving its value in educational and professional fields. It has been estimated that VR used in trainings results in a retention rate of 80% one year after training, compared to 20% with traditional training after just one week. Industries such as medicine, sports, and even firefighting are all currently benefiting from this technology, so why not apply it to an industry of similar complexity: agriculture. As technological advancements continue to reshape traditional agricultural practices, VR has emerged as a vital tool that can be used to educate farmers on best farming practices. Farmers today must deal with the challenge of producing higher yields while not increasing acreage to feed a growing population while simultaneously preserving natural environments. Due to VR’s effective and efficient means of educating users, its adoption for training, particularly in the realm of crop protection, is essential to ensure appropriate application of products, sustainable agriculture techniques, and safety for growers.
Increased Accessibility and Collaboration
One of the largest benefits of VR is its accessibility. Web access and use of smartphones continue to improve across all continents. Farmers from remote or disadvantaged areas can access app-based, high-quality training without the need to travel long distances. Furthermore, farmers from different regions can then participate in virtual workshops and share experiences. This interconnectedness fosters a sense of community and enables the dissemination of innovative solutions for the best pest management practices and sustainable agriculture. This democratization of knowledge and enhanced engagement benefits not only farmers, but environmental conservation and global food security.
Immersion
For decades participatory or immersive learning has been promoted as the gold standard in agricultural extension. Virtual Reality combines immersive learning with the accessibility of smartphone use. Growers can immerse themselves in simulated fields that replicate potential conditions of their own fields. In these diverse scenarios, the modules can train them on all aspects of agronomy, including the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), identifying pests, recognizing diseases, assessing crop health, and then making informed decisions to apply appropriate treatments in the safest ways possible, making previously theoretical information more practical. As farmers begin to transition to more sustainable techniques, retention is key for the continued implementation of these practices.
Scenario Decision-Making
By offering an immersive experience, VR training allows farmers, agronomists, and agricultural students to better understand the delicate balance of ecosystems and the intricate relationships among crops, pests, and beneficial organisms. They can practice making decisions that align with sustainable practices without causing real-world harm. These simulations encourage critical thinking and empower farmers to make informed choices that prioritize sustainability and safety.
Reduced Environmental and Health Impacts
Proper stewardship practices learned through VR training can lead to proper pesticide usage, minimizing environmental contamination, and biodiversity preservation. Farmers can witness the virtual effects of pesticide runoff on water bodies, soil degradation, and unintended harm to beneficial organisms. By visually experiencing these impacts, farmers develop a deeper understanding of the importance of responsible pesticide use and its role in maintaining ecosystem balance. VR modules can also be used to train farmers on safe practices including appropriate PPE and proper pesticide container disposal which benefits farmer health and prosperity.
Possible Limitations
While VR holds immense promise for revolutionizing crop protection training toward sustainable agriculture, there are still challenges to address. Initial setup costs for VR systems, software development, and integration into existing curricula can be significant barriers. It is also worth noting that to utilize VR training modules, growers may need to have access to a smart phone which may be a financial barrier for farmers in remote or disadvantaged areas. Additionally, the technology’s effectiveness heavily relies on accurate simulations, necessitating ongoing updates and maintenance. However, as VR technology is a relatively new tool, these challenges are likely to diminish as it becomes more accessible and cost effective with time.
Future Potential
Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI)/machine learning and data analytics will continue to enhance the realism of simulations, tailoring them to specific regional and climatic conditions. As climate change continues to disrupt farms through flooding, drought, pest migration, etc., VR and AI have the potential to help farmers better understand how these variables will affect their land and provide guidance on how to address and mitigate these risks. Additionally, with the emergence of regenerative agriculture expectations from food, clothing, and biofuel companies, farmers can utilize this enhanced learning tool to better understand regenerative agriculture practices and how they can apply it to their farms based on their regional location, crop, climate, etc. Collaboration among agricultural experts, VR developers, and educational institutions will be pivotal in harnessing the full potential of this technology for the greater good of agriculture.
VR’s application in training farmers in sustainable agriculture and crop protection techniques marks a transformative step toward more responsible and environmentally conscious farming practices. By offering an immersive learning experience that is environmentally friendly, accessible, and educationally efficient, VR is poised to change the way farmers are trained. As the agricultural sector continues to grapple with the challenges of feeding a growing global population while preserving the planet’s resources, VR promises to be an indispensable tool in nurturing a new generation of farmers committed to stewardship and sustainability.