Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Precision Agriculture
About
It is an approach to farm management that uses information technology (IT) to ensure that the crops and soil receive exactly what they need for optimum health and productivity.
It is an approach where inputs are utilised in precise amounts to get increased average yields, compared to traditional cultivation techniques.
The goal of PA is to ensure profitability, sustainability and protection of the environment.
PA is also known as satellite agriculture, as-needed farming and site-specific crop management (SSCM).
Precision agriculture relies upon specialized equipment, software and IT services.
The approach includes accessing real-time data about the conditions of the crops, soil and ambient air, along with other relevant information such as hyper-local weather predictions, labor costs and equipment availability.
Advantages precision farming
Helps increase agriculture productivity in sustainable manner
Prevents soil degradation
Reduction of chemical application in crop production
Efficient use of water resources
Dissemination of modern farm practices to improve quality, quantity and reduced cost of production
Developing favourable attitudes
Precision farming changing the socio-economic status of farmers
Precision farming in India
Some of the schemes like PMKSY’s (Per Drop More Crop) involve Precision Agriculture practices.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has formulated a project entitled “SENSAGRI: SENsor based Smart AGRIculture”.
The major objective is to develop indigenous prototype for drone based crop and soil health monitoring system using hyperspectral remote sensing (HRS) sensors.
Drone technology is also being used. It has ability for smooth scouting over farm fields, gathering precise information and transmitting the data on real time basis.
Mobile apps are being used to provide farmers with weather information and provide early warning.
Drawbacks of precision farming
High cost
Lack of technical expertise knowledge and technology
Not applicable or difficult/costly for small land holdings
Heterogeneity of cropping systems and market imperfections
Conclusion
The need of the hour is to adopt state of the art technology to make agriculture sustainable and profitable.
Agricultural renaissance can take shape on a strong digital foundation.
Adoption of technology will help in sustaining food security and enhanced livelihood opportunities.
In addition, the farming community needs to diversify and take up allied activities like fisheries, dairy and poultry as well to double the on-farm incomes.
