What type of technology has contributed to increased efficiency in the agricultural sector over the past decade?

The option discussing automated machinery highlights a significant advancement in the agricultural sector that has revolutionized farming practices. Over the past decade, the adoption of automated technologies—such as tractors equipped with GPS, drones for crop monitoring, and automated planting and harvesting equipment—has dramatically increased efficiency. These technologies allow farmers to cover larger areas in less time, reduce labor costs, and minimize human error, leading to higher productivity and better resource management.

In contrast, traditional farming techniques, organic fertilizers, and manual plowing generally represent older methods that do not incorporate the same level of technological innovation. While they play important roles in agriculture, they do not offer the enhanced efficiency and productivity that automated machinery provides in modern agricultural practices. Therefore, automated machinery stands out as the principal contributor to efficiency in the sector during recent years.