A review on the impact of big data analytics in transforming agricultural practices, food processing, and preservation strategies

Abstract

Information systems and big data analytics (BDA) are becoming increasingly vital for finding solutions to challenging problems in food and agriculture. Big data is used a lot in food distribution and retail, but not enough in production, making decisions, and making things last. BDA employs advanced techniques like machine learning and artificial intelligence to aggregate multiple data types, such as sensor data, satellite photos, and weather forecasts. It then looks for usable information that may be utilised to improve farming, food processing, and preservation. This systematic review brings together the most recent developments and highlights trends, issues, and areas where more research is needed on applying BDA in the agri-food sector. It highlights how BDA may improve quality assurance, precision agriculture, supply chain optimisation, and sustainable food systems. The main challenges are related to how data can be shared across systems, problems with infrastructure, privacy concerns and differences in how quickly stakeholders adopt these technologies. Therefore, the review suggested that future research should focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing ethical considerations, and developing robust data governance frameworks to fully realise big data’s potential in transforming food’s future. The ethical and regulatory frameworks need to keep pace with advances in technology.