For generations, agriculture has been the backbone of India’s economy supporting millions of farmers and in turn feeding one of the largest populations in the world. However, the problems of climate change, rising input costs, climate change, uncertainty in weather, and need for food security have not only disrupted traditional farming practices, but created an urgent need for sustainable practices in farming; hence the term “Smart Farming” was used to bring technology in the field to address managing, growing and marketing crops in a way never done before.
The Switch to Smart Farming
Smart farming, or otherwise known as digital farming is the new age where agri-tech will be transitioning into agriculture, and using technology such as sensors, remote sensing devices, drones, artificial intelligence, satellite mapping, the Internet of Things (IoT), and more will take the risks out of farming. Farmers will monetize their manual labour as they will not have to resort to guesses. This is important in India especially with respect to small and marginal farmers who account for over 86% of holders. They need the same opportunity to maximize their production while minimizing wastage from limited resources.
Role of Precision Agriculture
Precision agriculture is one of the primary components of smart farming. There is no waste of water, fertilizer, or pesticides in smart farming…every drop is used precisely when and where it is needed. For example, smart irrigation systems will monitor the moisture in the soil and only provide water when and where its needed. A smart irrigation system improves the growers water management and guarantees a better outcome of crop health. There are also GPS-enabled devices and drones that can monitor the crop condition and identify early signs of pest attacks or diseases, allowing the farmer to target only the affected area, save costs, and preserve yield.
Digital Tools and Mobile Apps for Farmers
In India, the smartphone has found its way to farmers faster than most technological advances due to the rapid installation of mobile internet. Farmers now have access to agricultural specific digital platforms and smartphones. New mobile agriculture applications can provide a range of services such as weather forecasts, soil health reports, crop advisory services, and links to online marketplaces where farmers can sell their products directly. Agricultural specific digital services and applications like this eliminate the middle man between farmer and the market, increasing farmers profit potential.
Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
Big data and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the way farmers make decisions. AI-based tools can analyze satellite images, weather patterns, and ground measurements to recommend planting decisions, shatter yield predictions, get advice on the best time to plant and identify the best crop for a region, among many things. Moreover, the field of big data allows policymakers OECD and private organizations like the Food and Agricultural Organization to take a collective view of the agricultural landscape to help organizations and policymakers to understand trends in agriculture, and provide the best policies that can support farmers. This two-way intergovernmental process works in positive feedback that helps ensure farming is not only taking place on a reactive stage, but in a prospective and proactive stage as well Smart Farming in India: How Technology is Changing Agriculture
Barriers to Smart Farm Adoption
The possibility of using smart farming has become a reality that can help advance agriculture. The only problem is that in the current India context, many of these advancements face barriers. The cost to buy technology is an investment, the lack of awareness of smart farming practices, poor internet access in rural areas and limited knowledge/education of farmers about technology all impact the uptake of smart farming. Many small farmers understand they cannot afford to purchase high-tech or process or operational solutions, and the recent efforts of government subsidies, partnerships with agri-tech start-ups it is reasonable to expect that as advances within smart farming progress begin to consolidate more it may be possible bridge these technological divides.
The Indian government has been very keen on promoting digital farming by implementing schemes such as Digital Agriculture Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and drones for monitoring crops. In conjunction with that, agri-tech startups are also playing a vital role, by creating cost-effective and user-friendly solutions appropriate for Indian farmers. Startups have developed AI based advisory platforms, supply chain-based solutions and financial solutions to the farmers, leading to empowerment and efficiency in the agricultural ecosystem.
The Future of Smart Farming in India
The future of Indian Agriculture holds a key worth ethics and technology. As awareness grows and technology decreases in cost, smart farming could be accessible to the smallest of farmers in India. Smart farming has tremendous potential to enhance output and productivity, lower the share of environmental harm and assure food security. In light of climate change being magnified we must realize that smart farming is no longer an option but a must for sustainable agriculture.
Conclusion
Smart farming is transforming agriculture in India by using new modern technologies and smarter data-driven paradigms to incorporate democratic technology options within traditional farm production systems. With the use of precision agriculture, and AI-based predictions, there are many ways to produce food in more economically sustainable, more profitable ways, and in ways that are more environmentally responsible. The future is promising to form a digitally empowered agricultural sector and while challenges still exist, the next step is the commitment to explore ways to fully innovate the Indian agricultural space and positively affect mill
ions of farmer’s livelihoods.
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