By Tanuj Mittal
As the global population continues to increase steadily, there is a projected surge in the need for both food and fibre production. Meeting this escalating demand becomes increasingly challenging due to the decreasing availability of arable land, which is further compounded by the impacts of a changing climate. India, with its rich agricultural heritage, faces an array of challenges in its quest for sustainable agriculture.
Traditional farming practices, characterized by uniform treatment of fields, contribute to the overuse of vital resources, including water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Not only does this waste precious inputs, but it also poses a significant threat to the environment, causing pollution and habitat destruction. In this article, we will delve into the challenges faced by Indian agriculture and explore how drones, precision agriculture, and data-driven technologies hold the key to transforming the sector and ensuring a sustainable future.
The Challenge of Sustainable Agriculture in India
One of the critical challenges in Indian agriculture is the absence of data-based decision-making. Farming must evolve from a one-size-fits-all approach to producing the right crops at the right time, tailored to the specific conditions of soil and the environment. Moreover, the rising cost of agricultural production makes it increasingly difficult for farmers to maintain profitability, ultimately affecting their livelihoods. The agriculture sector also struggles to attract talented individuals due to the limited financial rewards it offers.
India’s diverse food habits demand the production of a wide variety of food grains, vegetables, and fruits, further complicating the farming landscape. Additionally, a majority of Indian farmers own small and fragmented land holdings, making it challenging to adopt modern agricultural practices and technologies efficiently. A heavy reliance on government subsidies further adds to the complexities of the sector.
India’s Performance in the Global Hunger Index
According to the Global Hunger Index 2022 rankings, India ranks 107th out of 121 countries with a score of 29.1. India has slipped six positions from its 2021 rank of 101. India has the highest child wasting rate among all countries covered in the GHI. India is ranked behind most of its neighboring countries such as Pakistan (99), Sri Lanka (64), Nepal (81), and Bangladesh (84). The only country in South Asia that performs worse than India on the index is Afghanistan with a 109th rank. However, India has seen improvement in child stunting and child mortality between 2014 and 2022. Child stunting has declined from 38.7% to 35.5%, while child mortality has dropped from 4.6% to 3.3%.
Precision Agriculture Paving way to Sustainable Agriculture
The Indian government has taken several initiatives towards promoting drone technology in agriculture. The utilization of drones has the potential to revolutionize agriculture in India, offering solutions to the challenges the sector faces. By enabling precision farming and fostering innovative practices, drones empower farmers to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve environmental sustainability. This transformation holds the promise of a more secure and sustainable food supply for India’s growing population.
Data science technologies are revolutionizing agriculture, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is playing a major role. IoT sensors in fields collect data on factors that influence crop growth and yield, such as soil moisture, temperature, and humidity. This data can be used to monitor and control these factors, and to determine the optimal time to grow, harvest, and detect diseases.
Applications of Drones in Precision Agriculture
Electric aircraft technology, particularly drones, is emerging as a pivotal tool in addressing some of the most pressing environmental and humanitarian challenges of our time. Drones typically offer a more cost-effective and expendable alternative to crewed aircraft. They enable rapid access to remote or perilous locations without jeopardizing human safety.
A notable illustration of this is exemplified by General Aeronautics, an Indian developer of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). They harness cutting-edge drone technology to combat critical agricultural problems. Their drones are utilized for aerial insecticide spraying, reaching areas inaccessible to conventional ground vehicles. This approach provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for safeguarding crops. Drones can play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges faced by Indian agriculture:
Crop Monitoring: Drones equipped with cameras and sensors can provide real-time imagery and data on crop health. This information enables farmers to identify areas of stress, disease, or pest infestations, allowing for targeted interventions.
Soil Moisture and Irrigation Management: Drones can monitor soil moisture levels across fields, ensuring efficient and precise irrigation. This not only conserves water but also optimizes crop growth.
Disaster Management: Drones can be deployed to assess the impact of natural disasters, such as floods or droughts, on agricultural land. This information can aid in planning recovery efforts.
Geo-Fencing: Drones can help farmers create virtual boundaries (geo-fencing) to prevent livestock from straying into restricted areas.
Crop Biomass and Damage Estimation: Drones can calculate crop biomass and estimate yield, aiding in better harvest planning.
Locust Control: India often faces the threat of locust swarms that can devastate crops. Drones can be used for targeted pesticide spraying in areas that are hard to reach with traditional methods.
Transporting Goods in Agriculture: Drones can be used for efficient and rapid transportation of agricultural goods, reducing post-harvest losses.
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Drones, precision agriculture, and data-driven technologies offer a promising solution to the challenges faced by Indian agriculture. By enabling farmers to make informed decisions, optimize resource use, and improve productivity, these technologies can play a pivotal role in transforming the sector and ensuring a sustainable future.
The Indian government’s initiatives towards promoting drone technology in agriculture are commendable, and there is a growing awareness of the benefits of precision agriculture among farmers. However, more needs to be done to make these technologies affordable and accessible to smallholder farmers. Additionally, there is a need to develop and implement capacity-building programs to equip farmers with the skills necessary to use these technologies effectively.
The 3DEXPERIENCE platform offers a promising solution to accelerate the adoption of drone technology in agriculture. By providing a cloud-based, scalable pathway to access digital design and simulation applications, this platform can facilitate the swift and effortless deployment of new drone applications for companies.
Overall, the future of Indian agriculture looks bright with the advent of drones, precision agriculture, and data-driven technologies. These technologies hold the promise of a more sustainable, productive, and prosperous agricultural sector in India.
The author is Senior Director | Sales, Customer Process Experience, India at Dassault Systèmes, India.
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