Context:

The Centre is considering to allocate Rs 6,000 crore to advance precision farming, a modern technique that leverages smart technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and data analytics.

What is smart/precision farming?

  • Precision farming/agriculture is a contemporary farming management strategy that utilizes technology to monitor, measure, and adapt to variations in crops and fields. 
  • This method seeks to enhance agricultural productivity by customizing farming practices to the specific conditions within a field, ultimately improving overall efficiency and sustainability.

About Smart Precision Horticulture Programme:

  • Aimed under the existing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
  • Will cover 15,000 acres over five years (2024-2029).
  • Expected to benefit around 60,000 farmers.

Govt Steps taken for promoting smart agriculture:

  • Currently Agricultural Infrastructure Fund has provisions for financing smart and precision agriculture. 

Centre of Excellence for International Collaboration:

  • The Centre is exploring partnerships with the Netherlands and Israel for tech-based farming solutions.
  • Plans to establish 100 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) over the next five years; currently, 32 CoEs exist under the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): 

  • It was launched during COVID-19 to finance smart agriculture projects.
  • Under AIF, Eligible borrowers include individual farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

It offers a 3% interest subsidy for adopting technological solutions such as:

  • Farm automation
  • Drone usage
  • Specialized sensors
  • Blockchain and AI applications
  • Remote sensing and IoT

Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs):

  • 22 PFDCs established across various states to test and adapt new technologies to local needs.
  • Locations of PDFCs are: – Agricultural universities, ICAR institutes, and IITs in various states (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, UP, Punjab).
  • The Centre also releases funds to states/UTs for projects involving the use of AI and machine learning, under schemes like the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture.

Significance:

  • This initiative aims to transform the agricultural landscape by integrating technology, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable practices among farmers.
  • It will maximize resource use (water, fertilizers, pesticides).
  • It will increase production quality and quantity.
  • It will provide resilience against climate change and other uncertainties.
  • It will promote sustainable farming practices.

Also Read:

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