In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, Sanjeev Kumar Premi, a 51-year-old farmer, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in his life and livelihood. By embracing modern technology, Sanjeev has seen his annual earnings from vegetable cultivation soar from a modest Rs 6-8 lakh to an impressive Rs 18 lakh. This significant increase is a testament to the power of technology in revolutionizing agriculture.
Sanjeev’s journey began in 2010 when he started integrating modern technologies into his farming practices. “I have been using modern technologies in farming since 2010, and getting almost double benefits in terms of financial aspects,” Sanjeev told ETV Bharat. The shift from traditional methods to advanced technologies has not only increased his yield but also reduced his operational costs. By adopting a solar panel for irrigation, Sanjeev has eliminated the need for a generator and diesel, significantly cutting down on expenses. Additionally, he has implemented new pest control technologies, further enhancing his savings.
Sanjeev’s story is not an isolated case. In Rajasthan, Ramnarayan Choudhary has also reaped the benefits of modern farming techniques. Choudhary has doubled his income from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh annually by adopting polyhouse farming, a low-investment method that yields high produce. To mitigate the heavy electricity bills, Choudhary installed an Agrivoltaic system, which generates power through sunlight. He also uses a drip irrigation system to conserve water, showcasing the multifaceted advantages of modern technology in agriculture.
The Union Cabinet’s approval of the ‘Digital Agriculture Mission’ with a substantial financial outlay of Rs 2,817 crore, including a central government share of Rs 1,940 crore, underscores the government’s commitment to transforming the agriculture sector. This mission aims to integrate various cutting-edge technologies such as sensors, Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency.
Institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are at the forefront of developing and implementing these technologies. They are working on a range of innovations, including AI-enabled robotic harvesters, image-based sorting and grading systems, and IoT-based monitoring systems for cold storage. These advancements are not only improving production but also ensuring better post-production management.
The use of drones in agriculture offers distinct advantages, including increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reduced exposure to hazardous chemicals. The Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS) provides farmers with comprehensive data, including satellite images, weather information, and soil health data, enabling them to make informed decisions. Soil mapping further aids farmers by providing detailed soil properties, helping them use fertilizers and water more efficiently.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Singapore Global Centre highlights the potential of emerging digital technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT to revolutionize global food and agricultural systems. These technologies can improve resource efficiency, enhance productivity, and ensure better supply chain traceability.
The joint technical report of the Telecommunication Engineering Centre and ICAR emphasizes the role of IoT and AI in addressing challenges related to productivity, climate change, and water management. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations also underscores the importance of satellite data in improving global food security and strengthening agrifood systems.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (U.S. Department of Agriculture) notes that modern farms are increasingly reliant on technologies such as sensors, robots, and GPS, which have transformed traditional farming methods. The Indian government is actively promoting these technologies through initiatives like the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture, Machine Learning, Robotics, Data Analytics, and BlockChain.
Dr. C.H. Srinivasa Rao, Director of ICAR-IARI, emphasizes the need for adopting climate-resilient crops and improved agricultural techniques to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Continuous adaptation and scientific advancement are crucial for maintaining sustainable agricultural productivity.
As more farmers like Sanjeev and Ramnarayan embrace these technologies, the agriculture sector is poised for a significant transformation. The integration of modern technologies not only enhances productivity and profitability but also ensures sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change.
