7 Influence Of IPTEK Negative On Agriculture To Watch Out For

Farming land is now common using machines. (Pinterest/AloTrip)

YOGYAKARTA - The development of science and technology (IPTEK) does provide many benefits, including in agriculture. The presence of modern tools, chemical fertilizers, and seed innovation makes the harvest more abundant. However, the negative impact is often neglected.

Behind that convenience, IPTEK can cause serious problems for the environment and agricultural sustainability. Dependence on chemicals, loss of soil fertility, to threats to health are risks that need attention.

By knowing the negative influence of IPTEK on agriculture, farmers and the community can balance the benefits of technology and environmental sustainability. Here are 7 negative influences that need to be considered.

The use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers has increased dramatically because it is considered practus. Unfortunately, this damages the balance of the soil ecosystem and kills important microorganisms. Plants are protected from pests, but the quality of soil and environment decreases.

In addition, pesticide residue can stick to agricultural products that are then consumed by humans. If it persists, the risk of health problems will increase. This impact clearly endangers consumers and farmers themselves.

The chemical fertilizer used continuously makes the soil lose its natural nutrients. The soil, which was originally loose, can turn hard and difficult to process. This condition reduces the quality of agricultural products in the long term.

In addition, nutrient-poor soils are not able to absorb water properly. Land becomes more prone to floods and drought. This adds to the burden of maintenance costs for farmers.

Modern agricultural technology encourages the use of superior seeds or genetic engineering. As a result, local and traditional seeds began to be abandoned. This reduces biodiversity in the agricultural sector.

The loss of plant variations makes the agricultural ecosystem more fragile. If one type of plant is attacked by disease, the impact can be widespread and cause mass crop failure. This risk threatens food security in the future.

Agricultural mechanics does make work easier, but creates new dependencies. Tools such as tractors, water pumps, and harvesting machines require high operational and maintenance costs. Smallholders often have difficulty reaching them.

In addition, the use of heavy machines can damage the soil structure too often. Dense land is difficult to absorb water and air, thus disrupting plant growth. In the long term, this condition actually reduces productivity.

Agriculture waste that contains pesticides and chemical fertilizer is often carried away by rainwater. This dangerous substance pollutes rivers, lakes, and groundwater used by the community. This condition threatens human health and other living things.

Not only that, but carbon emissions from agricultural machines also add air pollution. If left unchecked, this exacerbates climate change that has a direct impact on agriculture.

Technological advances make farmers have to buy chemical fertilizers, superior seeds, and modern machines. All of this adds quite high production costs. Unfortunately, the selling price of the harvest is often not proportional to the capital spent.

This condition makes it increasingly difficult for small farmers to compete. They are trapped in a debt circle to buy agricultural supplies. Finally, the welfare of farmers is increasingly threatened.

In addition to consumers, farmers are also at risk of experiencing health problems. Direct contact with pesticides without protective equipment can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even poisoning.

Long-term exposure can cause chronic diseases such as liver disorders, kidneys, and the nervous system. Ironically, people who are most instrumental in providing food are actually threatened with their health due to modern agricultural technology.

IPTEK does bring convenience in agriculture, but the negative impact cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is important for farmers to use technology wisely and in balance. The government also needs to provide education and support so that agriculture remains productive as well as environmentally friendly.