Context:
The Indian Government is set to allocate Rs 6,000 crore to advance precision farming, launching the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). This strategic move aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the horticulture sector by integrating modern farming techniques that optimize resource usage and improve crop yields, thereby bolstering India’s agricultural framework.
Relevance:
GS III: Agriculture
Dimensions of the Article:
- Proposed Precision Farming Scheme
- Precision Farming
- Precision Farming in India
Proposed Precision Farming Scheme
- Objective: To promote precision farming through the utilization of advanced technologies.
- Budget Allocation: The Indian government plans to allocate Rs 6,000 crore to support this initiative.
- Technological Integration:
- Utilization of IoT, AI, drones, and data analytics to boost productivity.
- Focus on enhancing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts.
- Program Development:
- Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme is being developed.
- Coverage:
- The program aims to encompass 15,000 acres over five years (2024-25 to 2028-29).
- It targets benefiting approximately 60,000 farmers.
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Role:
- Provides financial support for infrastructure projects tailored to smart and precision agriculture.
- Loans with a 3% interest subvention are available to individual farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- Technological Practices Under the Scheme:
- Farm and harvest automation.
- Deployment of drones and specialized field sensors.
- Integration of blockchain and AI technologies.
- Employment of remote sensing and Internet of Things (IoT).
- International Collaborations:
- Collaborative efforts with countries like the Netherlands and Israel to import advanced farming solutions.
- Plans to establish 100 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) within five years, with 32 Indo-Israel CoEs already operational across 14 states.
Precision Farming
- Precision farming is an advanced agriculture practice leveraging GPS, sensors, data analytics, drones, and remote sensing to enhance crop production accuracy.
- Goal: Optimize resource usage (water, fertilizers, pesticides) based on specific site conditions to boost yield, reduce waste, and lessen environmental impact.
Benefits:
- Tailored Resource Management: Allows farmers to customize inputs based on crop needs, improving yield and efficiency.
- Resource Conservation: Ensures judicious use of resources, reducing production costs and environmental footprint.
- Sustainable Practices: Minimizes chemical use, reducing soil and water contamination and promoting eco-friendly farming.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Enables informed decision-making through real-time data, mitigating risks from weather variability and crop diseases.
Challenges:
- High Costs: Significant investment required in technology and infrastructure, posing a barrier for small-scale farmers.
- Skill Gaps: Farmers need training to effectively use and interpret data from precision farming tools.
- Connectivity Issues: Limited internet access, particularly in rural areas, hampers the adoption of precision farming.
- Data Handling: Managing and interpreting large data volumes requires specialized skills and software.
Precision Farming in India
- Current State: While globally integrated, precision farming in India is mainly developed for nutrient-use and water-use efficiency but is not yet a staple in mainstream farming.
Government Initiatives:
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Focus on enhancing water-use efficiency and soil health.
- Digital Infrastructure: Introduction of a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to provide farmers with essential technology and information.
- Precision Farming Development Centres: 22 centers established across India to promote and develop precision farming technologies.
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Supports infrastructure development for precision farming, with additional AI and machine learning projects under the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture.
Coverage:
- Limited Adoption: Primarily in states like Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, mostly in large commercial farms with better irrigation facilities.
Local Challenges:
- Fragmented Land Holdings: Small farm sizes complicate the implementation of advanced farming technologies.
- Economic and Educational Barriers: Many small farmers lack the funds and knowledge necessary to adopt high-tech solutions.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: A substantial digital divide limits the effectiveness of precision farming tools in rural areas.
-Source: Indian Express
