Bibliometric review of digital transformation in agriculture: innovations, trends and sustainable futures

Purpose In the 21st century, the agricultural and food industries have faced the critical challenge of meeting the needs of a rapidly growing global population. Food production is estimated to increase by 70% by 2050, thus supporting this growth. Limited farmland availability, unpredictable climate conditions and widespread food insecurity make this challenge even more difficult. This study examines how advanced digital technologies can help address challenges in the agricultural sector. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive bibliometric analysis examines agricultural digitalisation trends from 2013 to 2022. Findings The study uncovers promising trend-developed regions, such as Europe, Germany, the UK and the United States, at the forefront of digital agricultural practices. The analysis underscores the transformative power of digitalization in agriculture, with technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart farming, big data reshaping strategies, enhancing connectivity and fostering transparency. This study underscores the need for responsible innovation, inclusive development and targeted policies to harness the full potential of digitalization, ensuring sustainability and equity in the agricultural sector. It also identifies emerging trends like Industry 4.0 and precision livestock farming as pivotal components of agriculture in the digital age. Research limitations/implications This study offers insights into the digitalization of agriculture through bibliometric analysis, but it has limitations. It relies solely on published literature and trends and lacks real-world data and empirical case studies. Future research should incorporate secondary data and case studies to determine the significance of adapting digital agriculture to help overcome various obstacles in agriculture. Originality/value Several researchers have examined the use of technologies, such as UAVs, IoT, machine learning and other advancements in agriculture. Recent studies have highlighted the digital agriculture revolution, emphasizing IoT, SSM, CSA, RS and AI in Agriculture 4.0. These studies offer a comprehensive roadmap for the digital agriculture revolution, covering performance analysis and scientific mapping.