Context
The Union Ministry of Agriculture is planning a Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the existing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of horticulture through advanced technological interventions.
About the Programme
- Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs): The government has established 22 PFDCs across the country to test new technologies and adapt them to local needs.
- Coverage and Beneficiaries: The programme will cover 15,000 acres of land over five years (2024-25 to 2028-29) and is expected to benefit approximately 60,000 farmers.
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Launched in 2020, AIF provides financing for infrastructure projects related to smart and precision agriculture. Individual farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are eligible for loans with an interest subvention of 3% for using technological solutions in farm practices.
What is Precision Farming?
- Definition: Precision farming (PF) is an approach to farm management that uses information technology to ensure that crops and soil receive exactly what they need for optimum health and productivity.
- Site-Specific Management: Unlike traditional farming, PF manages and distributes inputs on a site-specific basis to maximize long-term cost benefits and prevent waste.
- Technological Categories:
- Soft Precision Agriculture: Relies on visual observation and intuitive decision-making based on experience.
- Hard Precision Agriculture: Utilizes modern techniques such as GPS, remote sensing, and variable rate technology.
Precision Farming in India
- Current Development: In India, PF has primarily focused on nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) and water-use efficiency (WUE). However, it is yet to become an integral part of mainstream farming systems.
- Technological Advances: Rising interest among scientific institutions and technological advancements are bringing new perspectives and reinventing PF to suit all farm types and economic capabilities.
Use of Technology in Agriculture
- Integration of Digital Technology: Incorporates AI, robotics, uncrewed aviation systems, sensors, and communication networks into the farm production system.
- Benefits: These innovations increase returns and enhance the efficacy of irrigation and other inputs.
Role of Technology for Agriculture in India
- Assess Soil Health: Technologies like soil sensors, remote sensing, and unmanned aerial surveying help farmers assess crop and soil health conditions at different production levels.
- Example: Soil health cards issued under the Soil Health Card Scheme provide farmers with information on nutrient status and recommendations for soil improvement.
- Improvement in Crop Yield: AI/ML algorithms generate real-time actionable insights for improving crop yield, controlling pests, assisting in soil screening, and reducing farmers’ workload.
- Example: AI-based applications like Plantix help farmers diagnose crop diseases and recommend treatments.
- Use of Blockchain Technology: Offers tamper-proof and precise data about farms, inventories, quick and secure transactions, and food tracking.
- Example: Agri10x uses blockchain to connect farmers directly with buyers, ensuring transparency and fair pricing.
Significance
- Increased Productivity: Enhances agricultural productivity and lowers production costs.
- Soil Health: Inhibits soil degradation and promotes sustainable farming practices.
- Efficient Resource Use: Reduces chemical application in crop production and promotes effective and efficient use of water resources.
- Socio-Economic Upliftment: Improves the socio-economic status of farmers by increasing their income and reducing their workload.
- Environmental Impact: Reduces environmental and ecological impacts, promoting sustainable agriculture.
- Worker Safety: Enhances worker safety by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and improving working conditions.
Challenges in Implementation
- Limited Digital Infrastructure: Rural areas often lack robust digital infrastructure such as internet connectivity and electricity, hindering the adoption of digital technologies by farmers.
- Example: Many remote villages still struggle with unreliable internet access, making it difficult for farmers to use advanced digital tools.
- High Initial Costs: The high upfront costs of precision farming technologies can be prohibitive for small and marginal farmers.
- Example: Purchasing drones, sensors, and other advanced equipment requires significant investment, which may not be feasible for all farmers.
- Lack of Awareness and Training: Farmers may lack awareness and training on how to use precision farming technologies effectively.
- Example: Without proper training, farmers may not fully utilize the capabilities of precision farming tools, leading to suboptimal results.
- Fragmented Land Holdings: The small and fragmented nature of land holdings in India poses a challenge for the widespread adoption of precision farming.
- Example: Implementing site-specific management practices is more complex on small, scattered plots of land.
- Data Privacy and Security: Concerns about data privacy and security can hinder the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture.
- Example: Farmers may be reluctant to share data about their farms due to fears of misuse or lack of control over their information.
Government Initiatives to Implement the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme
- Financial Support: The government plans to allocate ₹6,000 crore to promote precision farming, including smart technology such as IoT, AI, drones, and data analytics.
- Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs): Establishment of 22 PFDCs across the country to test and adapt new technologies to local needs.
- Collaboration with International Partners: The Centre is considering collaborations with countries like the Netherlands and Israel, known for their advanced farming technologies, through Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Provides loans with interest subvention of 3% for using technological solutions in farm practices.
- Example: Financial support for farm/harvest automation, purchase of drones, and use of AI and blockchain in agriculture.
- National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture: Funds are released to states/UTs for projects involving the use of AI and machine learning under this scheme.
- Example: Projects aimed at improving digital infrastructure and providing training to farmers on using advanced technologies.
Current Events Connection
- Smart Precision Horticulture Programme: The Union Ministry of Agriculture’s initiative aligns with the broader goals of the MIDH scheme to modernize horticulture practices through precision farming.
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): The AIF’s provisions for financing smart and precision agriculture projects support the implementation of the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme, ensuring that farmers have access to the necessary resources and technologies.
By integrating advanced technologies and precision farming practices, the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme aims to revolutionize horticulture in India, making it more efficient, productive, and sustainable. This initiative not only addresses current agricultural challenges but also sets the stage for a more resilient and technologically advanced farming sector in the future.
