Farmers as Earth Keepers: Role Transformation through Technology-based Regenerative Agriculture

In the midst of climate crisis and environmental degradation, agriculture is no longer just about food production, but is the key to saving the earth's ecosystem. Through a technology-based regenerative agriculture approach, farmers are now undergoing a role transformation as guardians of the earth who are able to combine local wisdom with modern innovation (Stavi & Lal, 2023; Chaudhary et al., 2022).

Regenerative Agriculture and the New Role of Farmers

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to agricultural systems that aims not only to produce food but also to improve the overall quality of the environment. The main focus lies on improving soil structure and fertility, restoring natural ecosystem cycles, and increasing the resilience of food systems to climate change (Rehberger et al., 2023).

In this system, the role of farmers has changed significantly. Farmers no longer only act as food producers, but also as guardians and restorers of the ecosystem, with the following roles:

1. Guardians of Soil Fertility

Farmers apply techniques such as the use of biofertilizers, organic compost, and no-till farming that aim to maintain soil structure, retain moisture, and increase the population of microorganisms that play an important role in nutrient cycling. 

2. Biodiversity Protector

Through agroforestry practices, farmers plant trees and perennials among food crops to create a more diverse and stable agricultural ecosystem. Crop rotation and intercropping are also practiced to prevent pest dominance, maintain soil fertility, and increase ecosystem resilience to external stresses such as drought and disease (Akchaya et al., 2025).

3. Natural Carbon Manager

Farmers contribute to climate change mitigation by planting cover crops that absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and store it in the form of soil organic matter. With increased soil organic carbon (Soil Organic Carbon/SOC) content, agricultural land not only becomes more fertile but also acts as a carbon sink. But now, the transformation is supported by digital and sensory technologies to improve efficiency and ecological impact

Technology Integration in Regenerative Agriculture

The transformation of agriculture towards a more sustainable system cannot be separated from technological advances. In the context of regenerative agriculture, technology is not just a tool, but a catalyst to accelerate the process of restoring agricultural ecosystems and improving land management efficiency. Some of the latest technologies that have been integrated into regenerative practices include:

1. Internet of Things (IoT) for Soil and Microclimate Monitoring

IoT-based sensors allow farmers to monitor soil conditions such as moisture, pH, temperature, and even organic carbon levels in real-time (Nawaz & Babar, 2024). This data is crucial in making precise decisions regarding irrigation and fertilization, thus avoiding over-irrigation or excessive fertilizer use that can damage the soil structure.

2. Drones and Satellite Imagery for Crop Mapping and Monitoring

The use of drones with multispectral and thermal cameras helps farmers to identify crop stress, pests or diseases before they are visible to the naked eye. Satellite imagery is also used to map land cover, soil moisture and degraded areas so that farmers can plan appropriate restorative interventions (Qu et al., 2024).

3. AI and Big Data-Based Applications for Cropping Decisions

With machine learning algorithms and big data analysis, AI-based systems can process historical data on weather, soil conditions, crop cycles and even market fluctuations to recommend the best cropping patterns (Hernandez Olivan et al., 2024). This technology helps farmers select superior varieties, optimal planting times, and crop rotation strategies that maintain soil fertility and biodiversity.

4. Automatic Composter & Biofermentor for Organic Fertilizer

Equipment such as automatic composters, biofermentors or bio-organic reactors play an important role in accelerating the decomposition of organic matter into high-quality fertilizer (Cichocki et al., 2024). These technologies reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, increase soil microbial content, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural waste.

Conclusion

Technology-based regenerative agriculture redefines farmers as stewards of the earth and drivers of ecological innovation. By combining sustainable practices-such as crop rotation, no-till farming, and biofertilizers technologies such as IoT, drones, and AI, this approach improves soil health, lowers carbon emissions, and increases climate resilience.

In addition to efficiency, these approaches also promote smart, adaptive, and sustainable food systems. Collaboration between farmers, governments, researchers, and agricultural startups is key to increasing its impact. Thus, regenerative agriculture offers not only an agricultural method, but also a real solution to the climate and environmental crisis

Reference

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