Precision farming is an innovative agricultural practice that leverages technology and data analytics to enhance productivity and resource efficiency. Its primary goal is to optimize the use of essential inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides while minimizing environmental impact and improving crop yield and quality.
This farming approach integrates several advanced technologies, including:
These technologies enable farmers to monitor crop health, automate various processes, and make informed decisions based on real-time data.
Precision farming significantly aids in climate adaptation by reducing resource consumption and utilizing real-time data. This approach allows farmers to manage irrigation, fertilization, and pest control effectively, thereby ensuring better resilience to environmental changes.
The Indian government has introduced a ₹6,000-crore scheme under the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme, part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). This initiative aims to cover 15,000 acres and benefit around 60,000 farmers over the next five years.
The scheme focuses on:
Farmers can access loans at a low interest rate of 3% to adopt technological solutions in their farming practices.
PFDCs are pivotal in testing and adapting new agricultural technologies to meet local needs. Currently, 22 PFDCs are operational across 14 states, including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.
The precision farming initiative aims to:
India is forging partnerships with nations such as the Netherlands and Israel to integrate their technology-driven farming solutions. These collaborations are vital for modernizing agricultural practices in India and tailoring them to local conditions.
Other government initiatives, like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture, complement precision farming by providing infrastructure development and supporting technology adoption. These schemes facilitate farmers' access to modern agricultural tools and financial assistance.
By embracing precision farming technologies, India's agriculture sector is poised to become more efficient, resilient, and sustainable. This transformation is vital for the country's ambition to double farmers' incomes and promote self-reliance in agriculture. The government's commitment to advancing precision farming is part of a broader strategy to modernize agriculture and enhance productivity.
Q1. What is precision farming?
Answer: Precision farming is an agricultural approach that utilizes technology and data analytics to optimize resource use, improve crop yield, and minimize environmental impact.
Q2. What technologies are integral to precision farming?
Answer: Key technologies include IoT, AI, drones, data analytics, remote sensing, and blockchain, which collectively enhance monitoring and decision-making in agriculture.
Q3. How does precision farming assist in climate adaptation?
Answer: It enables more efficient management of resources like water and fertilizers, allowing farmers to respond effectively to climate variations and uncertainties.
Q4. What role do PFDCs play in precision farming?
Answer: PFDCs test and adapt new agricultural technologies to suit local farming conditions, providing essential support for the implementation of precision farming practices.
Q5. How does the Indian government support precision farming?
Answer: The government offers financial assistance and establishes PFDCs to promote smart technologies, helping farmers improve productivity and sustainability.
Question 1: What is the primary goal of precision farming?
A) Increase land ownership
B) Optimize resource use
C) Promote monoculture
D) Eliminate technology in farming
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a technology used in precision farming?
A) Drones
B) Blockchain
C) Traditional plowing
D) Remote sensing
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: How much financial assistance has the Indian government allocated for the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme?
A) ₹1,000 crores
B) ₹3,000 crores
C) ₹6,000 crores
D) ₹10,000 crores
Correct Answer: C
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