Boost to Precision Farming

Recent Context:

To promote precision farming,which is a modern approach that uses smart technology such as , Artificial Intelligence, drones,Internet of Things and data analytics to boost production through maximal use of resources while minimising environmental impact, Union Government is envisioning ₹6000cr investment.

Major Highlights

-The Union Ministry of Agriculture is planning a Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the existing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme.

-It will cover 15,000 acres of land in five years from 2024-25 to 2028-29 and is expected to benefit about 60,000 farmers.

-Apart from offering financial support, there is collaboration with the Netherlands and Israel, where tech-based modern farming solutions are being used, through Centres of Excellences (CoEs).

–  22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) across the country to test new technologies and modify them according to local needs.

What is Precision Farming?

• Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture, is an approach to farming that uses advanced technology to monitor and manage field variability in crops. The goal is to optimize returns on inputs while preserving resources.
• It involves the use of GPS, sensors, drones, data analytics, and other tools to collect real-time data on soil conditions, weather patterns, crop health, and more.
• Farmers can use this data to make more informed decisions about planting, watering, fertilizing, and harvesting crops, resulting in higher yields, reduced waste, and more sustainable farming practices. By tailoring interventions to specific areas within a field, precision farming helps improve efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

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Benefits of precision agriculture:

Precision agriculture offers several key benefits, making farming more efficient, sustainable, and profitable. Here are the main advantages:

1. Increased Efficiency: Precision agriculture uses data and technology (like GPS, sensors, and drones) to optimize resource use. Farmers can apply water, fertilizer, and pesticides only where needed, reducing waste.
2. Cost Savings: By using inputs like water, seeds, and chemicals more efficiently, farmers can reduce costs significantly. This also reduces the need for labor and fuel.
3. Improved Crop Yields: With precise monitoring and tailored treatments for crops, precision agriculture helps increase yields by ensuring optimal growing conditions and reducing crop stress.
4. Sustainability: It minimizes environmental impact by reducing overuse of fertilizers and pesticides. Precision farming also promotes soil health by using data-driven insights to prevent over-cultivation or under-utilization of land.
5. Data-Driven Decision Making: Farmers get real-time data on soil conditions, weather, and crop health, enabling them to make more informed and timely decisions.
6. Water Conservation: Precision irrigation systems can reduce water usage by applying the exact amount of water needed, conserving a vital resource and preventing over-irrigation.
7. Risk Reduction: By monitoring crops and soil closely, farmers can detect and address potential issues like pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies early, reducing the risk of crop loss.
8. Climate Resilience: Precision agriculture helps farmers adapt to changing climate conditions by providing detailed insights into how weather patterns affect crops, allowing them to plan accordingly.

Precision agriculture leads to higher productivity and profitability while promoting sustainable farming practices.

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But there can be few challenges while adopting the Precision Farming techniques in india. Due to the variety of reasons such as lack of infrastructure and financial constraints.

Challenges in the adoption of precision agriculture in India:



1. High Initial Cost:
Precision agriculture relies on advanced technologies like GPS, drones, sensors, and software, which require significant capital investment. Small and marginal farmers, who make up the majority of India’s agricultural workforce, often cannot afford such technologies.

2. Limited Awareness and Knowledge:
Many farmers in India are unfamiliar with PA techniques. There is limited access to training and education on how to use digital tools, data analytics, and modern farming practices. Bridging this knowledge gap is critical.

3. Fragmented Land Holdings:
India’s farms are often small and fragmented, which makes it difficult to implement large-scale PA technologies. The equipment and technologies used in precision agriculture are more suited to larger, contiguous areas.

4. Lack of Infrastructure:
Reliable internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas, is essential for data transmission and monitoring in PA. In many parts of India, infrastructure like electricity, water supply, and internet connectivity is either poor or absent.

5. Data Management Issues Precision: agriculture generates large volumes of data, and managing this data is a challenge for most Indian farmers. They may lack the technical skills to interpret and use data for decision-making effectively.

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Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/govt-plans-rs-6000-cr-scheme-to-boost-precision-farming-9571571/