Internet of Things in the Agriculture Sector: A Review

Abstract

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of India’s economy, contributing nearly 17% to its GDP and sustaining the livelihoods of millions. With global food demand projected to surge by 60% by 2050, technological innovation is essential to ensure sustainable and efficient agricultural production. The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a transformative force in this context, offering data-driven solutions to long-standing challenges in the sector. This study explores the integration of IoT technologies in agriculture, focusing on their impact on productivity, resource management, and crop quality. Employing a systematic literature review of over 30 high-quality, peer-reviewed sources, the research examines key applications of IoT across domains such as smart irrigation, crop and soil monitoring, greenhouse automation, livestock management, and supply chain optimization. Findings reveal that IoT adoption can enhance average yields, reduce water consumption by up to 90%, and significantly lower operational costs. The study also presents real-world applications from the Indian agricultural landscape and discusses the architecture, benefits, and barriers to large-scale IoT deployment. While the potential for growth is substantial, the research highlights current limitations-such as infrastructure gaps, cost barriers, and data integration issues—that must be addressed. Ultimately, the study underscores the critical role of IoT in driving the future of precision farming and supports the formulation of policy and investment strategies aimed at accelerating its adoption.