IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY Farmers no longer have to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides uniformly across entire fields. Instead, they can use the minimum quantities required and target very specific areas, or even treat individual plants differently. Benefits include: Higher crop productivity Decreased  use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, which in turn keeps food prices down Reduced impact on natural ecosystems Less runoff of chemicals into rivers and groundwater Increased worker safety In addition, robotic technologies enable more reliable monitoring and management of natural resources, such as air and water quality. It also gives producers greater control over plant and animal production, processing, distribution, and storage, which results in: Greater efficiencies and lower prices Safer growing conditions and safer foods Reduced environmental and ecological impact