What is Precision Farming?

PRECISION FARMING

What is Precision Farming?

Precision agriculture (PA) is a modern farming approach that focuses on using smart technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and data analytics.

The goal is to optimize inputs (like water, fertilizers, and pesticides) based on site-specific conditions to maximize yield, minimize waste, and reduce environmental impact.

Why Precision Farming is Crucial for India:

• Fragmented Land Holdings: With an average landholding size of 1-hectare, Indian farmers need targeted solutions to maximize output.
• Water Scarcity: Agriculture uses 80% of India’s freshwater. Precision irrigation (like drip systems) can drastically cut usage.
• Climate Change: Data-driven decisions help farmers adapt to erratic weather patterns.
• Low Productivity: India’s yield per hectare is lower than global averages. Technology can bridge this gap.

Advantages:

• Resource Optimization: Precision farming ensures judicious use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, reducing waste and lowering production costs.
• Environmental Benefits: Reducing the use of chemicals minimizes soil and water contamination, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Increased Productivity: By monitoring field variability, farmers can tailor inputs to meet the specific needs of crops, leading to improved yield and efficiency.
• Risk Management: Through real-time data collection and analysis, farmers can make informed decisions, reducing risks related to unpredictable weather and crop diseases.

Challenges:

• Data Management: Processing and interpreting large amounts of data requires specialized software and skills, which are not always available to small-scale farmers.
• High Initial Cost: The upfront cost of equipment like drones, soil sensors, and automated irrigation systems remains high. For small and marginal farmers with limited capital, such investments often seem unaffordable without external financial assistance or government subsidies. This cost barrier discourages many from experimenting with precision technologies, especially in states where credit access is poor.

• Technical Expertise: Farmers often lack training to operate precision tools or interpret data, limiting effective usage.
• Digital Divide: Poor internet connectivity in rural areas restricts access to digital platforms and real-time farm advisory.

Steps taken by India:

• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): focus on water-use efficiency and soil health monitoring.
• Promoted the use of drones, soil health cards, and satellite-based monitoring.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): will provide farmers with access to technology and information.

Way Forward:

• Subsidies & Credit Support: Provide targeted subsidies and easy credit for purchasing precision tools, especially for small and marginal farmers.
• Training & Capacity Building: Set up village-level training centers and integrate Agri-tech modules into Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVKs) to build farmer skills.
• Strengthen Digital Infrastructure: Expand rural internet access under Bharat Net and promote offline-capable apps for real-time agricultural support.
• Promote FPOs & CHCs: Encourage Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) to share expensive technologies collectively.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Foster collaboration between startups, Agri-tech firms, and government bodies for innovation and affordable service delivery.

KAS Mains 2025:

Discuss on how precision farming helps in improving the yield and quality of pulses and oilseeds in India.        (10 marks) – GS-3