What factor has been shown to decrease the need for manual labor in agriculture?

The factor that has been shown to decrease the need for manual labor in agriculture is technology and automation. The introduction of advanced machinery, robotics, and automated systems allows for tasks that traditionally required significant human effort to be completed more efficiently with less labor. For example, automated planting, harvesting, and irrigation systems can operate with a high degree of precision and speed, drastically reducing the number of manual workers needed on farms.

Improvements in technology also facilitate data collection and analysis, allowing farmers to make informed decisions that can enhance productivity without a corresponding increase in labor. As a result, automation not only enhances efficiency but also elevates the overall productivity of agricultural operations while minimizing dependence on manual labor.