Scientific methods of ‘precision farming’ will boost Indian agricultural sector: report

India’s agricultural sector will flourish with the promotion of scientific methods of “precision agriculture,” including the application of information technology to agriculture, a Saudi-based newspaper reported.

However, claiming that the economy and the quality of life of ordinary man in India is largely influenced by the occupation of agriculture, the Saudi Gazette reported that over the past decades India has experienced less than expected progress in agriculture, animal husbandry or fishing, despite the use of new technologies and rapid advances in research and development.

According to reports, various operations such as determining the best tillage, application of fertilizers, harvesting methods and irrigation methods performed will be ensured by “precision agriculture” using remote sensing, which is increasing by intensive production with reduced investment.

Impact of the Green Revolution on States

The Saudi newspaper reported on the Green Revolution of the 1970s and 1980s ensured rapid growth and India became much more self-sufficient, avoiding dependence on other countries for large-scale food imports in order to end famine or starvation.

If the Green Revolution had not progressed in relatively less wealthy states, then it would have had a greater impact on increasing crop yields and increasing agricultural productivity, according to the report.

Some states that were already doing better in irrigation, pesticides and seed growth made progress while other states that should have benefited as well failed to see the growth.

Although the scientific method has great potential to strengthen sustainable agriculture in the country, limited use of precision agriculture is observed in India due to small farms. In view of this, India’s leading precision agriculture consultancy, Samhitha, is able to achieve 30% higher citrus yields in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, according to the news agency. ANI reported.

ICAR develops 35 varieties of special quality

Earlier on September 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 35 crop varieties developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Council (ICAR) which include special characteristics to combat malnutrition and climate change.

Some of the varieties grown include a drought tolerant chickpea variety, sterility mosaic resistant pigeon pea, an early maturing soybean variety, disease resistant rice varieties and biofortified varieties of wheat, pearl millet. , corn and chickpeas, quinoa, buckwheat, winged beans and field beans.

(With entries from ANI, Image: Unsplash)