Technological advancements in mechanized sugarcane cultivation applicable to familiar farming: influences on sdg. A review

Abstract

Mechanization is essential to achieve better efficiency agricultural production systems, contributing significantly to rural development. Utilization of agricultural machinery by family farmers allows them to achieve greater productivity, improving the quality of life. However, true quality of life is only likely to be reached when technological advancements are consistent with truly sustainable development. This article aims to analyze whether the current cutting-edge mechanization systems for sugarcane applicable for family farming achieve objectives 2,5,8,9,10,12 and 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A systematic review of the literature was performed that revealed 31 representative articles that depicted advancements relevant to mechanisation of family farming production systems for sugarcane . These articles were analyzed in an organized way to assess the contribution of agricultural machinery and implements to achieving the SDGs. A comprehensive assessment was carried out in regards to aspects such as the readiness level of the technology (TRL) and the SDGs aimed at gender equality, decent work, economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduction of inequality, responsible consumption and production, and actions to mitigate global climate change. The results of the analysis identify the SDG designed to address global climate change as the most critical, understanding that current research aimed at developing technologies to adapt mechanised sugarcane cultivation to family farming situations, do not show sufficient concern regarding the use of fossil fuels.