India, Aug. 11 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has taken up a program of National Importance namely, Network Program on Precision Agriculture (ICAR - NePPA) having 16 ICAR Research Institutes of different domains. Under this program, technologies are developed using sensors, remote sensing at different platforms (ground, airborne -Drone and satellite platforms), AI and ICTs in line with international best practices in precision agriculture related to
ICAR continuously studies, adapts and develops advanced precision agriculture and efficient land-use technologies suited to Indian conditions. ICAR Institutes have developed and validated technologies such as sensor-based irrigation, IoT-enabled environmental monitoring, drone-based spraying, AI-enabled precision planters, remote sensing and GIS applications, drip fertigation, poly-mulching, raised-bed cultivation, modified raised and sunken conservation beds, agro-aqua land configuration, automated livestock management systems, low-cost protected cultivation, hydroponics, aeroponics, agrivoltaic farming, precision subsurface drip irrigation and other water-efficient irrigation technologies to improve productivity, resource-use efficiency and sustainability in smallholder farming systems. ICAR has developed and demonstrated a tank-based super-intensive precision shrimp farming system. The technology yields 120-150 tonnes/ha/year over three annual cycles and the system integrate smart automation, strict biosecurity, and eco-efficient management for all farm sizes.
ICAR is promoting precision agriculture through:
machine learning etc. and conducted drone demonstrations in an area of 230 ha, benefitting 2487 farmers.
In addition, some of the areas in which ICAR applies artificial intelligence (AI) are:
ICAR promotes an integrated precision farming ecosystem by developing location-specific technologies for precision irrigation, nutrient management, protected cultivation, mechanization, digital decision support and climate-smart agriculture. These technologies are being disseminated through field demonstrations, farmer training, capacity building programmes and collaboration with State Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other stakeholders to facilitate their adoption by farmers.
Precision agriculture technologies have demonstrated significant improvements in productivity, profitability, resource-use efficiency and climate resilience. Precision irrigation technologies, including solar-powered Jhola Kundi systems, farm ponds and micro-irrigation, increased cropping intensity from 137% to 272%, doubled the crop diversification index (0.40 to 0.80), increased average monthly farmer income from Rs.4,644 to Rs.19,676, and reduced dependence on diesel and electricity while mitigating about 40.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.At Goa, precision agriculture technologies increased rice and cowpea yields by 4.69% and 6.58%, respectively, while reducing irrigation water use by 92.9% and labour requirement by about 95%. Farm pond-based rainwater harvesting systems increased crop yields by 20-55%, while polyhouse cultivation integrated with automated drip irrigation and fertigation generated net returns of Rs.2.72 lakh per 15 gunta with a B:C ratio of 4.57. In Bihar, integration of raised beds, drip fertigation and poly-mulching improved nutrient-use efficiency by 30-85%. Adoption of drip irrigation and protected cultivation reduced irrigation water requirement by 70-80%, while hydroponics reduced water use by up to 90%. Drone-based foliar nutrient application improved crop yields by 4-5%, reduced spraying costs by about 15%, enabled spraying of one acre in about 6 minutes using only 9.5 litres of water and 0.5 litre of nano-fertilizer, while minimizing crop damage and ensuring uniform application. These technologies collectively enhance farm income, optimize water and fertilizer use, reduce production costs and support sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural growth.
The integration of AI, IoT, drones, and satellite imagery enhances livestock management by creating proactive early disease warning systems, strengthening biosecurity, and optimizing overall farm efficiency include:
Predictive Disease Control and Reduced Mortality: AI models and IoT-enabled biometric sensors can detect physiological stress and predict potential disease outbreaks 5-12 days before clinical symptoms appear, enabling timely intervention. This can reduce veterinary expenses by 20-40% while preventing large-scale livestock losses.
Optimized Productivity and Reproductive Performance: Real-time wearable sensors automate estrus detection, improving the success rate of artificial insemination by 15-30%. In addition, smart microclimate control and precision feed management can enhance milk yields by up to 18%, leading to improved overall livestock productivity.
This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
