Precision Farming: Maximum Yield Minimum Wastage

With the world grappling with critical challenges like resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and exponential growth in population, the agriculture sector stands out to be the most vulnerable. To effectively address the challenges, the advancement in technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) is facilitating precision farming which aims to optimise crop production, and minimises wastage.

Illustration by The Geostrata

From AI-powered image analysis to detect plant disease, to AI-driven robots performing the process of weedicide, from its predictive nature in analysing crop yield to accurate irrigation management – the applications of AI in agriculture are ample to contribute towards a positive impact. This article will examine the role of Artificial Intelligence to aid in precision farming, its impact in addressing challenges in the agricultural sector, and paving the way for sustainable agricultural growth. 

USE OF AI IN AGRICULTURE

The utilisation of AI is proliferating in multiple sectors, addressing its challenges, and thereby, providing effective solutions. Agriculture being one of the most vulnerable sectors of India due to erratic weather conditions, inadequate resource management and environmental degradation. 

Firstly, to address the unprecedented weather in India, AI-powered tools utilise meteorological data, satellite imagery to predict weather patterns. By analysing this data, these tools provide weather forecasts with accurate results. The farming sector relies on climatic conditions at every step of the procedure. Therefore, precise data on weather aids farmers to avoid losses. Additionally, certain AI modules provide information regarding localised weather phenomenon such as potential rainfall, storms, etc.

India has a vast and diverse geography, therefore, localised data-driven information contributes to accurate decision-making by farmers. Taking the example of Cropin, an agritech company based in Bengaluru, which aims to provide weather analysis and satellite imagery. Moreover, it provides farmers to outline the boundaries of the farmland to attain tailored results. Secondly, the role of AI in crop health management is also transforming the vulnerabilities experienced by farmers.

AI-driven systems help to detect diseases which give an early warning sign. This reduces the potential crop loss and avoids usage of harmful chemical treatments.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) scheme, there is an initiative named Collection of Real-Time Observations and Photo of Crops (CROPIC), which monitors the health of crops and detects potential diseases. It is an AI-powered cloud platform to analyse photos and provide timely inputs. The National Pest Surveillance System makes use of AI-driven analytics through photographs, satellite data, and weather patterns to monitor crops and improve their productivity.

Additionally, many startups like Agritech, SenseHawk, and Skylark Drones have built these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to benefit farmers to enhance crop yield. Real-time mapping can help to understand the necessary nutrients required for the soil and the crop. With high-resolution imagery, precise and timely measures can be used to address problems in an effective manner. 

Thirdly, approximately 68% of India’s land is at a precarious risk of drought; effective water management is an essential issue to be addressed. Therefore, technological intervention is important for irrigation management.

Smart irrigation techniques utilise automated systems often based on AI-driven data which identifies the area with differing moisture levels, and targets the ones with the lack of it, thereby facilitating precise irrigation to efficiently use water. Government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Per Drop, More Crop, can be implemented with AI-powered technologies.

This centrally-sponsored micro-irrigation scheme has already implemented drip and sprinkler irrigation methods, but with additional support from AI systems, it can be extended to larger areas, and also, enhance water conservation. KisanRaja is a tech company that delivers IoT-enabled autonomous irrigation systems to mitigate water scarcity, and prudently utilises the resource for irrigation.

Fourthly, drones can contribute to assess soil health by checking its nutrient levels and moisture content, and accordingly, it can inform farmers regarding the improved nutrients for soil, and other soil management practices. A collaborative project by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and several other partners, titled ‘SENSAGRI: SENsor based Smart AGRIculture,’ is indigenously developed to monitor soil health using hyperspectral remote sensing (HRS) sensors. AI-based monitoring ensures targeted intervention to improve soil health, thereby, promoting sustainable practices. 

India’s 2021 drone rules have significantly liberalised the regulatory landscape for drone usage in several sectors, and is evident in the agriculture sector as well. Private players are paving the way for manufacturing agri-drones to address challenges in the sector.

Several examples, like DJI drones, are mitigating local and regional-level problems. For example, its DJI Agras series of drones helps in managing pests and diseases in the monsoon season in Tamil Nadu, thus helping rice farmers to effectively address the issue. Moreover, Thanos – a tech innovation company has drones employed for spraying fertilisers and pesticides with precision, to avoid over-utilisation of fertilisers.

ADVANTAGES

AI is reshaping the agricultural sector worldwide, as well as in India, by its precision techniques and timely intervention. Its primary objective is to optimise the process of farming, as it helps to maximise crop productivity and minimise wastage. It ensures that resources are effectively managed, which is a sustainable practice. Secondly, with the dangers of climate change and India being vulnerable to it, it is necessary to adapt and mitigate risks.

This is where AI intervenes to provide precise weather forecasts. Thirdly, AI empowers the farmers to make accurate decisions which are data-driven and often precise to the requirement. In all, it is beneficial to optimise the usage of AI in agricultural innovation to promote sustainable agricultural practices which are aligned with the needs of the environment. Lastly, it would help in reducing the labour costs after initial investments in technology; however, it wouldn't be as beneficial in India due to the phenomenon of disguised unemployment.

DISADVANTAGES

Therefore, in India, technology should serve as a support system for farmers rather than a substitute for them. India has around 82% of small and marginal farmers, for whom access to basic technology is challenging. Advanced drones, sensors are expensive, therefore, difficult to procure by the majority of farmers. Additionally, farmers also lack the technological knowledge needed to operate such systems and utilise them efficiently.

Most places in rural India still lack the internet, which is required to operate AI-driven systems. Therefore, while AI is transforming agriculture in India, its impact remains limited, as the majority of farmers are still unfamiliar with such technology. 

With agriculture contributing only around 18% to GDP but including around 47% of the workforce, there is a dire need for the agriculture sector to catch up with the dream of Viksit Bharat. This growth trajectory needs to be rapid yet comprehensive, addressing challenges such as low yield, climate change, and resource insecurity, while keeping pace with rising demand.

With the advancement of AI, its implementation must prioritise benefiting farmers. Once precision farming delivers successful results, AI should be extended to allied sectors like poultry, food processing, etc, to enhance its outcomes. Under the vision of Viksit Bharat, agriculture must contribute to India’s self-sufficiency and AI-driven agricultural innovations are poised to transform the sector, maximising yield and minimising waste to achieve sustainable goals. 

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BY ARYA GHADIGAONKAR

TEAM GEOSTRATA

info@thegeostrata.com