Precision Farming In India

The different tools of this new-age farming technique include satellite imagery, sensors, automated machines, and software solutions The different tools of this new-age farming technique include satellite imagery, sensors, automated machines, and software solutions

Agriculture is one of the most important sources of livelihood in India as well as other countries. Agriculture sector not only fulfils the demand for food crops, but it is the source of livelihood for almost 70% of the Indian population. The agriculture industry in India reached a value of ₹63,506 Billion in 2020. Between 1991 to 2021, the average value of the agriculture industry in India has stayed at ₹86.14 Billion. The lowest was recorded in October 1991 at ₹4.95 Billion and the highest production was noted in March 2019 at ₹284.83 INR Billion.

India exports agricultural products including processed foods to more than 120 countries. As per 2020 reports, India ranks 74th out of 113 countries in agricultural industries. Indian food and groceries were ranked 6th in the world. While production is on the rise in India, this sector has also seen a change in farming techniques. The emergence of technology in the agri sector (agri-tech) has helped farmers relook the conventional farming processes.

Let’s get to know about precision farming and the techniques involved.

Precision farming

Precision farming (PF) refers to the precise application of agricultural inputs with respect to soil, weather and crop requirements in order to improve productivity, quality, and profitability in agriculture. It is an approach to farm management that uses digital technology to ensure that crops and soil receive exactly what they need for optimum health and productivity. The goal of PF is to ensure profitability, sustainability and protection of the environment.

Source
Source

Different techniques of precision farming

The different tools of this new-age farming technique include satellite imagery, sensors, automated machines, and software solutions. Here are some of the technologies used:

  • Drones: These unmanned aerial vehicles are used to monitor crop growth.
  • Satellite photography and sensors: Satellite images are digital images taken using electronic scanners. As satellites generally operate at altitudes greater than 60,000 feet, wider angle shots are captured.
  • IoT-based sensor networks: These are dedicated sensors for monitoring, and recording the physical conditions of the environment.
  • Phase tracking: It is another form of tracking where farmers can get to know the crop development rate and accordingly grow more.
  • Weather forecasting: Prediction of weather conditions depending on time and location.
  • Automated irrigation: The process of watering fields without using human labor. The operation here is done with timers, sensors or computers and mechanical appliances.
  • Light and heat control: The process of artificially controlling the heat and light falling on fields. This is done primarily by setting up shades or spreading wet gunny bags.
  • Intelligent software analysis: This is primarily used for pest and disease prediction, soil management and other involved analytical tasks.
  • Soilless farming technology: Growing plants without soil as a rooting medium.
  • Soil moisture sensors: These are devices that measure current soil moisture. They are integrated into the irrigation system and help in scheduling water sprinkling much more efficiently.

Challenges in adopting precision farming in India

  • The adoption of precision farming in India is in the nascent stage due to its unique pattern of land holdings, poor infrastructure, farmers’ aversion to taking risks, socioeconomic conditions and demographics.
  • The small size of landholdings in Indian agriculture limits economic gains from currently available precision farming technology.

While changes in farming techniques have increased the productivity of the agriculture sector as a whole, the challenges in the lives of commission agents in mandis remain the same. They face challenges in doing paperwork, maintaining ledgers, inventory and keeping a check on every financial transaction. Understanding the concerns of commission agents and turning them into an opportunity, Bijak which is India’s Number 1 Agri-trading App, came up with a solution called ChargeERP.

ChargeERP the saviour

ChargeERP accounting software has been designed keeping in mind the daily interactions of commission agents in agricultural mandis. It is a cloud-based accounting software introduced with the core aim of reducing the agent’s workload. ChargeERP is the easiest, fastest and most secure mandi accounting software available in India. One of the many benefits of this platform is that it can be accessed from anywhere and from multiple devices. It provides data security with end-to-end encryption. Plus, it doesn’t require any kind of technical or accounting expertise.

If you are looking to explore more about this next-level accounting software, feel free to dial +91 9311341199 or visit www.chargeerp.com, and request your free demo today. We also suggest that you follow us on Facebook for regular updates. You can also view the latest instructional videos on the ChargeERP YouTube channel.