Precision agriculture, leveraging technology and data-driven insights, has emerged as a transformative approach to farming in India. Efficient resource utilisation is critical with a burgeoning population and finite agricultural resources.
The Indian smart agriculture market is growing at a CAGR of 13.38% and is expected to generate $886.21 million by 2028. Below are some significant applications of precision agriculture that could be used in India to utilise resources efficiently.
- Precision irrigation employs sensors and data analytics to determine the precise water requirements of crops. By delivering the right amount of water at the right time, farmers can conserve water resources, enhance crop yields, and mitigate the impact of water scarcity.
- Precision fertilisation is gaining traction in India. Conventional blanket fertilisation can lead to nutrient imbalances, affecting crop quality and the environment. In contrast, precision agriculture not only improves crop health but also reduces the environmental impact of excessive fertiliser use.
- Crop monitoring through satellite imagery and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is another significant application. By capturing real-time data on crop health, growth, and potential threats, farmers can make informed decisions about pest control, disease management, and optimal harvest times.
- Variable Rate Technology (VRT) allows farmers to adjust input levels such as seed, fertilisers, and pesticides based on spatial variability within a field. This targeted approach ensures that resources are allocated where needed most, optimising productivity while minimising waste.
Adopting precision agriculture is challenging in India, where smallholder farmers constitute a significant portion of the agricultural landscape. Limited access to technology, awareness, and affordability must be addressed.
Precision agriculture holds immense promise for transforming Indian agriculture by maximising resource efficiency. By embracing technology-driven solutions, farmers can enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in the face of a growing population and changing climate.
Organisations like agribazaar are pivotal in this transformation, bridging the gap between technology providers and farmers. Agribazaar’s platforms provide farmers access to cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies, market information, and a marketplace for their produce. Through strategic collaborations, precision agriculture tools and knowledge become more accessible to the farming community, catalysing the adoption of these innovative practices across India.