Recently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) organized a session on “Sensors and Sensing for Precision Agriculture”. The meeting comes in response to growing interest in precision agriculture, an innovative approach to farming that relies on precise input usage to boost yields. Widely considered the century’s most valuable innovation in farming management, precision agriculture emphasises sustainability and healthy food production.
The Concept of Precision Agriculture
Precision Agriculture harnesses Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to maximize profitability and output, enhance economic efficiency, and mitigate environmental impacts. Unlike traditional cultivation techniques such as agroforestry, intercropping, and crop rotation, this method takes a more measured approach.
The benefits of precision agriculture are extensive, ranging from increasing agricultural productivity to preventing soil degradation. The technique allows effective use of water resources and reduces chemical application in crop production, thereby disseminating modern farm practices to enhance the quality and quantity of produce at a lower cost. This methodology has profound implications for farmers, potentially changing their socio-economic status.
Challenges of Implementing Precision Agriculture
Despite the promise of precision agriculture, some challenges hamper its implementation. Notably, educational and economic difficulties rank among the top concerns. The lack of local experts, shortage of funds, and absence of knowledgeable research and extension personnel are significant factors contributing to educational challenges. On the economic front, initial costs present a substantial hurdle.
Key Discussions During the Session
The ICAR-IARI session focused on recent advancements in several fields related to precision agriculture. Topics included the latest developments in sensors, remote sensing, deep learning, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things for real-time monitoring and assessment of soil, plant, and environment to promote productivity while preserving environmental sustainability.
VAIBHAV Summit 2020
The session forms part of the Vaishwik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit 2020, a Government of India initiative designed to pool the thoughts, practices, research, and development culture of overseas and Indian scientists/academicians.
Identified Research Gaps
The session participants identified some significant research gaps in precision agriculture. These include the development of indigenous low-cost sensors with integrated platforms, robotics, IoT for field phenotyping, soil health surveillance, and crop health management. Additionally, big data analytics and modeling for early stress detection, discrimination in the agricultural sector, and standardized protocols for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle based imaging were among the other areas where further research is needed.
Way Forward
To bridge these gaps, a more objective-driven collaboration strategy needs to be put into place. This involves increased R&D efforts in the field and the concept of precision agriculture, potentially through collaborations with global universities. This can drive further advancements in education and research and foster capacity building. This forward-looking approach may help expedite the adoption of precision agriculture across the globe.