The world faces complex challenges such as population growth, climate change, and resource scarcity. These challenges put immense pressure on the agricultural sector to produce more food sustainably. Precision agriculture, which involves the use of advanced technologies such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), has emerged as a promising solution to address these challenges. By enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions and optimize resource utilization, precision agriculture can enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable development in the agricultural sector.

The understanding of how precision agriculture can contribute to sustainable development is crucial for several compelling reasons:

(1) Balancing Environmental Conservation and Agricultural Production: The understanding of precision agriculture's potential in sustainable development allows us to strike a balance between agricultural production and environmental conservation. It enables farmers to maximize yields while minimizing negative environmental impacts, preserving natural resources, and protecting biodiversity. This balance is essential for the long-term viability of agriculture and the well-being of ecosystems.

(2) Informing Policy and Investment Decisions: Policymakers and investors need evidence-based insights to make informed decisions that support sustainable agricultural development. Understanding how precision agriculture contributes to sustainability provides the necessary knowledge to shape policies, regulations, and investments that incentivize and promote adopting precision agriculture practices at a broader scale.

(3) Empowering Farmers and Stakeholders: When farmers and stakeholders understand the benefits of precision agriculture in sustainable development, they are more likely to embrace and invest in these technologies and practices. Empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools to implement precision agriculture fosters their engagement in sustainable farming practices and enhances their economic resilience.

The primary goal of this special issue is to develop insights into how precision agriculture can contribute to sustainable development. We invite contributions that explore precision agriculture and sustainable development, with particular interest in the assessment of precision agriculture from a sustainable development point of view.

Following types of articles welcomed: original research, opinion, perspective, review, and case studies

We invite researchers from diverse backgrounds to contribute their research and critical insights to this special issue on precision agriculture and sustainable development. Together, we can create a comprehensive body of knowledge that drives progress in the agricultural sector, fosters sustainable practices, and paves the way for a more resilient and prosperous future for agriculture and our planet.