आधुनिक तकनीक की ओर आगे बढ़ रहे भारतीय किसान

Agriculture is the first solar-powered factory in the world. It coordinates human effort to capture the life force concealed in seed and sunlight, as well as to transform the ingredients found in soil, air, and water into produce. Agriculture transforms hard natural components into stuff that can be used by humans. Agriculture is a very tangible physical process, not a computerised one.

Electronic equipment, tools, and a fusion of digital systems are increasingly being used to manage agricultural processes, just as they are in other aspects of life. As a result, the recently formed catchphrase "Digital Agriculture" appears to be a misnomer – it actually relates to the application of digital technologies in agricultural business management. The most likely title is ‘Digital Technologies in Agriculture.'

Since the Green Revolution of the 1960s, when contemporary methods were used to increase agricultural productivity, Indian agriculture has come a long way. Agriculture and its related sectors continue to be India's primary source of income (Ghode, 2020). Farmers are no longer required to apply water, fertiliser, or pesticides in a uniform manner over entire fields. Instead, they can use the bare minimum of chemicals and focus on very precise locations, or even treat individual plants individually.

The majority of farmers have modest plots of land. Some people even rent their farmland from others. Farmers are in a lot of pain. Agriculture accounts for roughly 15% of India's gross domestic product. In sum, India has a small number of large farms that can afford to invest in technology (Mendonca, 2019).

How contemporary technology might help farmers:

Using a smartphone to monitor and regulate agriculture irrigation systems

Crop irrigation systems are being monitored and controlled with the use of mobile technology. Instead of travelling to each field, a farmer can use current technology to handle his irrigation equipment from a phone or computer. Moisture sensors in the ground can provide data on the amount of moisture present at different depths in the soil.

Livestock ultrasounds

Ultrasound is used for more than only checking on babies in the womb. It can also be used to determine the quality of meat contained in an animal before it is sold. DNA testing aids producers in identifying animals with strong pedigrees and other desirable characteristics. This data can also be utilised to assist farmers in improving the quality of their herds.

The use of mobile devices and cameras

To keep track of personnel, some farmers and ranchers utilise apps like "Foursquare." They also installed cameras throughout the land. Livestock managers are installing cameras in their barns, feedlots, and pastures, which send photos to a central point such as an office or home computer. When they are abroad or at home for the night, they can keep a closer eye on the animals.

Sensors for Crops

Crop sensors aid in the efficient application of fertilisers, maximising absorption. They are able to detect how your crop is feeling and limit the risk of leaching and discharge into groundwater. Crop sensors notify application equipment how much to apply in real time, rather than preparing a prescription fertiliser map for a field before going out to apply it. Optical sensors can tell how much something is worth.

Here are some“e” initiatives taken for farmers:

eNAM:

In 2016, the government launched ‘eNAM' (National Agriculture Market), an online platform aimed at assisting farmers in bidding for the best rates across multiple markets. Online integration of agricultural markets . Providing access to all Agriculture Produce Market Committee-related information and services to farmers and traders alike. Arrivals and pricing of commodities, as well as buy and sell trade offers

IFFCO iMandi:

IFFCO iMandi is a rural digital revolution effort developed in conjunction with the Digital India agenda. With the use of digital technology, this Social Commerce app promises to aid farmers and bring the digital revolution to rural India. It's designed specifically for huge communities, enabling commerce, content, and communication in a simple, seamless, and secure way.

Export Inspection Council (EIC):

The government introduced digital initiatives by the Export Inspection Council to boost the ease of agricultural exports from India (EIC). Three portals have been created for this purpose in order to reduce transaction time and cost in an efficient and transparent manner

Artificial Intelligence in farming:

The International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) earned a Microsoft Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Earth award in 2018 to assist the continuous development of AI solutions concentrating on sustainable agriculture in underdeveloped parts of the world. This pilot project is being conducted in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where farmers have historically had a strong presence.

Meghdoot:

The government has launched a smartphone application called "Meghdoot" with the goal of advancing the Digital India mission and bringing technology to farmers. Farmers will benefit from this app because it will include forecasts for temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed and direction, as well as how to care for crops and livestock.

KisanSuvidha and PusaKrishi Mobile App:

It disseminates information about the latest technologies created by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, such as market prices, seeds, pesticides, fertilisers, weather, and agricultural machinery, among other things.

Plantix: 

In 2018, the state of Karnataka released "Plantix," an Android smartphone software that can identify pests, plant illnesses, and nutritional deficits.

Community Radio (CR)

Using radio station infrastructure, Community Radio meets the information needs of farmers.

Soil Health Card Scheme

The initiative was started in 2015 to help State Governments in issuing Soil Health Cards to all farmers across the country. The Soil Health Cards offer farmers with information on the nutrient condition of their soil, as well as recommendations for the proper application of fertilisers to improve soil health and fertility. Many farmers, however, believe that soil health certificates would be far more beneficial.

AGRISNET

A block-level infrastructure network that supports agricultural offices, agricultural extension services, and agribusiness activities in order to boost rural development.

Digital green

Digital video is used to deliver agricultural information that is relevant to the local community. The system comprises of a digital video database created by farmers with the assistance of professionals for farmers. Individuals or small groups are viewed the recordings on computers, DVD players, televisions, and over the village cable network.

eSagu

It is one of the most recent digital efforts that supplies farmers with expert advice. Farmers receive monthly advise on various strategies to boost agricultural productivity through the use of the internet and audio-visual communication facilities.

eSagu provides small and marginal farmers with individualised expert guidance in a timely manner, from sowing to harvest, right at their doorstep. Digital images and text information are used to present the farm scenario to the expert. After analysing the problem, expert advice is developed and sent to the concerned farmer the same day or the next day.

Warana

The cooperative's members have access to a wide range of information, including agriculture, through the initiative. It contains information on crops, market pricing, job prospects, and educational prospects, among other things. The information is available at the village's information kiosks. The kiosk operators are the primary link between the farmers and the information centres.

IKSL

Farmers receive pertinent information via mobile phones via five voice messages in their native language. Farmers can get customised solutions by calling the helpline. Farmers can also use special "phone-in" programmes to speak with specialists on certain topics.

Agmarknet

This programme delivers daily market price and arrival information in eight local languages for 300 commodities and 2000 kinds. The country's principal agricultural produce markets network collects and disseminates a wide range of information on prices, arrival, and other associated features such as grades, standards, packaging, and so on.

Pravara

The project's goal is to link a hundred villages in Ahmednagar in order to empower rural residents and improve their quality of life. IT centres built under the project transmit information on government schemes, agricultural marketing, healthcare, education, agro-processing, and economic development.

iKisan

For farmers, iKisan offers a one-stop shop for information on crops, crop management practises, fertilisers, pesticides, and other related topics such as market updates and weather forecasts.

Earik

In northeastern India, a single window to improve access to agricultural information and technologies. It offers expert advice on plant safety, production, and marketing.

Digital Mandi

Digital Mandi is an electronic trading platform for agricultural commodities that aims to deliver the benefits of ICT to farmers and traders by removing geographical and temporal restrictions, as well as eliminating cash shortages, thanks to the active engagement of various financial institutions. The idea of Media Labs Asia for a sustainable village through culturally acceptable use of new technology inspired Digital Mandi.

Akashganga

The initiative enables dairy producers to collect milk on schedule, receive proper payments, and earn more money. The system incorporates computerised milk weighing, fat testing, software capture of unique ID, printing of pay slips, and payment settlement.

Aaqua

aAQUA is a multilingual online problem-solving system that helps farmers find expert answers to their questions. The response to the farmers' questions takes one to three days, depending on the magnitude of the issue.

eKrishi

The eKrishi communication network is used to educate farmers, offer real-time information on prices and arrivals, as well as offer disaster warnings and weather forecasts. The goal is to make it easier for farmers to make educated judgments about selling their goods and to make the Madhya Pradesh State Agricultural Marketing Board's operations more transparent.

Mahindara Kisan Mitra

The initiative provides daily market pricing, weather updates, crop advisories, and agricultural news, among other things. Other aspects of the website include loans, insurance, the Mandi database, cold storage and warehouses, and so on. Farmers can also be inspired and profit from other farmers' success stories, which are shared on the website.

Haryali Kisan Bazar

HKB has established centres across the country to address a wide range of farmer issues, including agri-inputs, financial services, farm-output services, and round-the-clock expert guidance. Based on the farmer database kept under the programmes, the centres give information on crops, new technology, weather forecasts, market prices, and tailored services.

KCC

Using a toll-free number 1800-180-1551, the Kisan Call Centre uses telecom infrastructure to give personalised information on many elements of agriculture in local language.

Reuters Market Light

Reuters Market Light is a mobile phone app that customises information for farmers depending on their crop, market, and geographic choices. Through SMS, information in local language is provided for around 440 crops and kinds, over 1400 markets, and 2800 weather sites throughout 13 states.

e-choupal

An ITC programme provides an alternate marketing channel, as well as weather, agricultural practises, input sales, and other information. It is a rural kiosk with a computer and internet access that is managed by a qualified sanchalak.

e-agri kiosk

A collaboration between NABARD and the Central Agricultural University. Arunachal Pradesh's indigenous farmers would benefit from a touch screen kiosk for technology transfer.

MSSRF FFMA

Fisher Friend is a BREW-based application featuring a graphic interface, an icon-based menu, and customizable shortcut keys that is available on a low-cost CDMA cellphone. Fishermen can obtain the locations of fishing spots and real-time market pricing in their own language, in addition to safety and weather information.

Significance of Modern Technology:

Remedial therapy: In India, where the agricultural industry is threatened by water scarcity, desertification, crop pests, illnesses, and a continuous lack of infrastructure, technological innovation is offering a much-needed lifeline.

Development of efficient methods: E-technology has contributed to the creation of more sophisticated, effective, and efficient agricultural techniques and processes, thanks to substantial breakthroughs in the fields of robotics and sensing technologies.

Helpful in decision making: Farmers may make better and more informed decisions about their agricultural activities, grains, communication methods, distribution, and other needs if they have all essential information in their hands.

Effective planning: Crops may be precisely tracked using technology, which can also anticipate yields, planting season, crop demand, and other factors. Farmers will be able to better control their farming and plan properly with the help of these advanced approaches.

Disintermediation: Farmers can use innovative technology in the technological era to get control of changing dynamics and harness market intelligence without relying on traders.

More productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness from the sector can be predicted in the future if India retains the rate of technological development on line with agriculture innovation.

What’s Stopping Farmers? 

• Lack of infrastructure: Farmers confront considerable challenges in adopting new technology due to a lack of information on farm inputs, unstructured lending, and a lack of market linkages.
• Right inputs and advisory: Farmers lack sufficient understanding of the numerous resources accessible to them in the field of agriculture, as well as appropriate advise on how to use them.
• Poor reach: The reach of e-technology in rural areas is quite limited, and technological distribution is inconsistent across the country.
• Insufficiency & Illiteracy: In rural areas, poor connectivity, a lack of basic computer skills, high service fees, and illiteracy all impede the quick development of electronic agriculture.
• Adoption issues: Despite the obvious benefits of new agricultural technologies, farmers either do not adopt them or take a long time to start adopting and scaling them up. However, the truth is that the farmers were sceptical of the new technologies.
• Old behavior: Furthermore, old-age farmers did not believe in new technologies and instead relied on their own experiences.
• Financial constraints: Rich farmers are adopting technology and using its services, but small and marginal farmers cannot afford these new technologies and are thus left out (Verma, 2019).

Conclusion

Today's technologies can help the agriculture industry improve, grow, be more equitable, and be more sustainable. The recent situation has demonstrated that agriculture's future is dependent on digital change. Now is the moment to take use of the technological advancements at our disposal to put food on the table and give our families peace of mind.

We need to focus on farming intensification and diversification in different sections of the country. To assist farmers with good returns, best farming patterns will be enforced and advocated. Poor irrigation, low yield, low production, wastage, and other concerns must be investigated, and technology must be utilised effectively.

Farmers will be supplied with timely financing facilities at reasonable interest rates as well as farmer-friendly insurance products. Farmers may be encouraged to use commercial crops and agricultural practises if they use predictive technologies. Farmers can be protected from climatic and natural disasters if insurance coverage is available. Farmers' struggle is a problem that affects us all.

We can help Indian farmers by assisting them and we can help ourselves by assisting Indian farmers in meeting the growing demand for food.

References

Gayathri, A. 2020. Agriculture Sector Leads Way to Indian Economy’s Recovery Post COVID Lockdown. https://www.grainmart.in/news/agriculture-sector-leads-way-to-indian-economys-recovery-post-covid-lockdown/

Ghode, P. 2020. A new ray of hope: Creating jobs in agritech space.https://m.economictimes.com/small-biz/sme-sector/a-new-ray-of-hope-creating-jobs-in-agritech-space/articleshow/76229314.cms

Mendonca, J. 2019. India's agricultural farms get a technology lift. https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/indias-agricultural-farms-get-a-technology-lift/70388635

Somayaji, G. 2020. Ray of hope for agriculture in India. https://www.mangalorean.com/ray-of-hope-for-agriculture-in-india/.

Verma, J. 2019. E-Technology in The Aid of Farmers. https://www.jatinverma.org/e-technology-in-the-aid-of-farmers.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/agriculture/applying-modern-tech-to-agriculture-66017

https://yourstory.com/2020/12/technology-making-indian-agriculture-smarter-inclusive-resilient/amp

https://www.expresscomputer.in/features/indian-agriculture-goes-hi-tech-with-new-technologies-like-ai-ml-and-iot/45432/

https://www.analyticsinsight.net/technology-can-benefit-agriculture-farmers-india/

http://yojana.gov.in/Recent_archive_english/June-14.pdf

https://www.thestatesman.com/opinion/technology-in-agriculture-1502932835.html

https://www.tractorjunction.com/blog/smart-farming-in-india/

https://khetigaadi.com/blog/modern-farming/

https://www.nationalskillsnetwork.in/five-ways-technology-is-transforming-indias-agriculture-industry/