Agriculture is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, methane, and N2O. With India's growing population and the consequent demand for food and clothing, the agricultural sector's importance and its environmental impact are set to increase. Smart farming, also known as precision farming or precision agriculture, combines scientific methodologies with digital tools to enhance agricultural productivity while reducing environmental harm. This approach promises substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional farming methods.
India has a vast agricultural sector, with over 140 million hectares of cultivated land. However, the sector faces challenges such as low productivity, high input costs, and significant greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional farming practices often lead to overuse of fertilizers, inefficient water use, and poor soil health, contributing to emissions and environmental degradation.
Use of IoT and Sensors: Deployment of IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of soil moisture, nutrient levels, and crop health. By 2030, it is estimated that 50% of large farms in India will use IoT sensors, covering around 70 million hectares of agricultural land.
Drones for Precision Agriculture: Use of drones for aerial imaging, crop health monitoring, and precise application of inputs. The adoption of drones in Indian agriculture is expected to grow at a CAGR of 35%, with over 100,000 drones in use by 2030.
AI and Big Data Analytics: Application of AI and big data for predictive analytics, pest and disease forecasting, and optimizing farm operations. By 2030, AI-driven platforms could manage data for over 60 million hectares of farmland in India. AI and big data can enhance resource efficiency, reducing emissions by optimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Soil Health and Field Diagnostics: Advanced soil health diagnostics and field-level monitoring using portable devices and AI-based interpretation. Soil health monitoring could cover 40 million hectares by 2030, leading to better soil management practices.
Precision Fertilization: Precision fertilization practices, including variable rate technology (VRT) and controlled-release fertilizers, are projected to be used on 25 million hectares by 2030.
e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)
Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs)
Established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) across various states to promote precision farming techniques. These centers have demonstrated yield improvements of 20-25% and input cost reductions of 15-20% in pilot projects.
Tata Rallis Smart Farming Initiatives
Kheyti Greenhouse-in-a-Box
Smart farming presents a transformative opportunity for India to achieve its decarbonization goals by 2030. By adopting precision agriculture techniques, leveraging digital tools, and implementing sustainable practices, India can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve farmer livelihoods. The cumulative impact of these efforts could lead to an annual reduction of 100-150 million tons of CO2 equivalent, positioning India as a leader in sustainable agriculture and climate action.
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