The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare recently highlighted the numerous initiatives taken by the government to incorporate technology in the agricultural sector. A crucial development was the release of a consultation paper on the India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) in 2021 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW). The paper underscored the need for a digital revolution in agriculture, accentuating the fact that modern technology adoption is contingent on several factors such as socioeconomic conditions, geographical conditions, crop grown, and irrigation facilities.
The Relevance of Technology in Agriculture
The application of technology in agriculture spans across different aspects such as herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer, and improved seed usage. Over the years, technological advancements have been instrumental in bolstering the agricultural sector. Today, technologies like genetic engineering enable farmers to grow crops in areas previously considered unsuitable for cultivation. Such technological interventions improve crop resistance to pests and droughts, thereby enhancing efficiency and productivity in farming practices.
Potential Benefits of Technological Application in Agriculture
Deploying technology in agriculture can result in multiple benefits such as increased agricultural productivity, prevention of soil degradation, reduced use of chemicals in crop production, efficient utilization of water resources, and dissemination of modern farm practices. These benefits not only improve the quality and quantity of agriculture produce but also alter the socio-economic status of farmers.
Challenges Associated with Technology Use in Agriculture
Despite its potential benefits, the application of technology in agriculture faces numerous challenges. These include gaps in education and training, inadequate infrastructure, economic and policy issues, climate and environmental problems, and psycho-social issues. All these factors contribute to the lack of knowledge, poor skill development, limited access to credit, and decreased interest in farming.
Government Initiatives toward Technological Advancement in Agriculture
In a bid to overcome these challenges and encourage technological integration in agriculture, the government has initiated several programs. These include the creation of ‘AgriStack’, a collective of technology-based interventions in agriculture, the launch of the Digital Agriculture Mission, development of the Unified Farmer Service Platform (UFSP), and expansion of the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A). Further, the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) offers subsidies for purchasing various types of agricultural equipment and machinery. The government is also promoting digital initiatives like Kisan Call Centres, Kisan Suvidha App, Agri Market App, and the Soil Health Card Portal.
Future Prospects of Technological Revolution in Indian Agriculture
The 21st century is defined by the emergence and advancement of technology. As the world progresses towards quantum computing, big data, and AI, India has an immense opportunity to leverage its IT strengths and revolutionize the farming sector. It is important to invest efforts in enhancing the capacities of Indian farmers, especially until educated young farmers replace the existing under-educated small and medium farmers. By integrating technology into agriculture, India can truly become “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India), thereby reducing dependence on extraneous factors.
Relevant Examination Questions
In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates may encounter questions related to the topic. For instance, previous examinations included questions regarding the ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’. This scheme is a Government of India initiative, which provides each farmer with information about the soil nutrient status of their crops and advice on fertilizer dosage and required soil amendments. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide farmers with strategies to improve their soil based on its type.
