E-Technology in the aid of farmers and Technology Missions in agriculture
It is apparent that the tasks of meeting the consumption needs of the projected Population are going to be more difficult given the higher productivity base than in 1960s. There is also a growing realization that previous strategies of generating and promoting technologies have contributed to serious and widespread problems of environmental and natural resource degradation. This implies that in future the technologies that are developed and promoted must result not only in increased productivity level but also ensure that the quality of natural resource base is preserved and enhanced. In short, they lead to sustainable improvements in agricultural production.
New technologies are needed to push the yield frontiers further, utilize inputs more efficiently and diversify to more sustainable and higher value Cropping patterns. These are all knowledge intensive technologies that require both a strong research and extension system and skilled farmers but also a reinvigorated interface where the emphasis is on mutual exchange of information bringing advantages to all. At the same time potential of less favoured areas must be better exploited to meet the targets of Growth and POVERTY alleviation.
Digital technologies in agriculture
Digital technology has been applied in different agricultural processes including farm machinery, Livestock handing facilities, agronomy, Communication others. Below you will find few ways in which technology has evolved within agricultural industries.
Farm management
Some digital tools allow farmers monitoring livestock movements, trading, reporting, forward planning and feeding programs. New technologies have become essential for producers to track their livestock. Using mobile technology, the lifetime tractability of livestock is now more effective than ever and it has become critical for disease response, market access and reputation,
Real time fleet tracking and monitoring
Digital and GPS technology has been used in machinery to track vehicle movements and fuel consumption, operation tracking to monitor yield and crop quality, track maintenance as well as direct communication with supervisors and workers.
Digital Marketing monitoring
Online programs and applications have streamlined many time-consuming processes associated to MARKETING MANAGEMENT. This new Software allows users to track their online activity, to manage website and Social Media campaign activity.
Remote monitoring & drones
Some properties cover many acres, situation that makes checking water points, stock monitoring time consuming more challenging. Farm management software allows businesses to access information and alerts from their computers or mobile devices.
Drones have a unique advantage in being able to provide live information that can be advantageous in many ways. The have being used to check and monitor crop Health, stock feed and water points.
Use of ICT in agriculture extension
Information technology revolution is upcoming rapidly and more noticeable now. With the introduction of information and communication technologies, the traditional agriculture has been reformed, eventually contributing to the significant improvements in agricultural productivity and sustainability. Empowering farmers with the right information at the right time and place is essential for improving the efficiency and viability of small and marginal holdings.
Decision Support System
ICT has a great role as decision support system to the farmers. Through ICT, farmers can be updated with the recent information about agriculture, weather, new varieties of crops and new ways to increase production and quality control. The dissemination of adequate, efficient and tailored technologies related to agro-climatic zone, size of farm and Soil type etc. to the farmers is deficient in Indian Agriculture and it is the real challenge in front of policy makers in India.
Information and communication technologies can broadcast the precise and authentic information at right time to the farmers so that they can utilize it and get benefits. The decision support system through ITC facilitates farmers for planning type of crops, practising good agricultural practices for cultivating, harvesting, post harvesting and marketing their produce to get better results.
Varied information is required in agriculture based on the different agro climatic regions, size of land holdings, types of crops cultivated, technology followed, market orientation, weather condition, etc. As reported by many researchers, ‘question and answer service’ was perceived as the best facility by majority of the farmers to get personalized solutions to their specific agricultural problems.
Widen Market Access
One of the major drawbacks in Indian agriculture is complex distribution channels for marketing of agricultural produce. Farmers do not get acquainted with the updated prices of commodities, proper place for selling their inputs and consumer trends also. ICT has the great potential to widen marketing horizon of farmers directly to the customers or other appropriate users for maximum benefit. Farmers may connect directly with many users and may get information about current prices for their commodities. They can get access to the market sitting at home. Further, it will curtail the middle profit also which will be beneficial for the farmers. This can improve a farmer’s source of revenue; empower farmers for making good decisions about appropriate future crops and commodities and marketing channels to sell their produce as well as to get inputs.
Strengthen and empower farming community
ICT technologies can help for strengthening farming communities through wide networking and collaborations with various institutes, NGO’s and private sectors. Further, farmers may enhance their own capacities through updated information and wide exposure to scientific, farming and trade community.
ICT Initiatives For Agriculture In India
Agrisnet
It is a comprehensive web portal to broadcast relevant information to farmers, which was initiated and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. The AGRISNET serves farming community by disseminating information and providing Services through use of Information & Communication Technology (ICT). It has the goals of Providing information to the farmers on quality of the inputs and its availability, disseminating information of various government schemes and recommending Fertilizers after soil testing, Providing information on latest technologies for increasing productivity in agriculture.
Digital green
Digital Green is an international organization, which works with the participatory approach by engaging rural community to improve their livelihood using digital platform. Interactive and self explanatory Videos are prepared for farmers by progressive farmers with the assistance of experts. These videos are shown to the farmers at individual level or in groups. The videos are prepared concentrating the requirements and welfare of the rural masses.
eSagu
The eSagu system was developed in 2004. eSagu provides customized solution to the farmers’ problems and advice them from sowing to harvesting. Farmers send their farm condition in the form of digital photographs and videos, which were analyzed by the agricultural scientists and experts. After that, they suggest the right things to do to the farmers even small and marginal farmers are also getting advantage by this. The expert advice is conveyed to the concerned farmer within short time. The queries of illiterate farmers are dealt with the help of educated coordinators at village level. The farm situation or problem is communicated to the agricultural experts and they transmit accurate information to the farmers.
Warana
The Warana “Wired Village” project was instigated in 1998 by the Prime Minister’s Office Information Technology (IT) Task Force with the objective of providing agricultural information and services to farmers for increasing productivity. The information is transmitted to the farmers in local language about prices of agricultural outputs, EMPLOYMENT schemes from the government of Maharashtra and educational opportunities. The information is disseminated through information kiosks with the help of operators, who are the main linkage between the farmers and the agricultural connoisseurs.
IKSL
IFFCO KISAN SANCHAR LTD (IFFCO Kisan) was started in 2012. It delivers relevant information and custom-made solutions to the concerned farmers through voice messages on mobile phones. The farmers can also communicate directly to the agricultural experts on explicit themes via ‘phone-in’ programmes.
Agmarknet
Agricultural Marketing Information Network (AGMARKNET) was commenced in March, 2000 by Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India with the aim of empowering decision-making ability of the farmers regarding selling of their produce. This portal was developed to pace up the agricultural marketing system through broadcasting information about influx of agricultural commodities in the market and their prices to producers, consumers, traders, and policy makers transparently and quickly.
Digital Mandi
Digital Mandi is an electronic trading platform for facilitating farmers and traders to sell and procure agricultural produce beyond the geographical and temporal limitations effortlessly. Various financial institutions also participate in online trading of agricultural output to remove cash crisis.
E-NAM
National Agriculture Market (eNAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is the lead agency for implementing eNAM under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.
The vision of E-NAM is to promote uniformity in agriculture marketing by streamlining of procedures across the integrated markets, removing information asymmetry between buyers and sellers and promoting real time price discovery based on actual demand and supply. E-NAM will lead to the Integration of APMCs across the country through a common online market platform to facilitate pan-India trade in agriculture commodities, providing better price discovery through transparent auction process based on quality of produce along with timely online payment.
,
E-technology has revolutionized the way we live and work, and agriculture is no exception. New technologies are helping farmers to improve efficiency, increase yields, and reduce costs.
One of the most promising new technologies for agriculture is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI can be used to automate tasks, such as weed control and pest management. It can also be used to analyze data and make predictions about crop yields.
Another promising technology is blockchain. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that can be used to track the movement of goods and services. This could be used to track the provenance of food products, ensuring that they are safe and traceable.
Drones are also being used in agriculture for a variety of tasks, such as crop monitoring, spraying pesticides, and harvesting. Drones can provide farmers with valuable data about their crops, which can help them to make better decisions about Irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is another technology that is being used in agriculture. IoT devices can collect data about soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop growth. This data can be used to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
Machine Learning (ML) is a type of artificial intelligence that can be used to analyze data and make predictions. ML can be used to predict crop yields, identify pests and diseases, and optimize irrigation schedules.
Precision agriculture is a farming method that uses data and technology to improve efficiency and productivity. Precision agriculture can be used to target fertilizer and pesticides to specific areas, monitor crop growth, and optimize irrigation schedules.
Remote sensing is the process of collecting data about an object or area without being in direct contact with it. Remote sensing can be used to monitor crop growth, identify pests and diseases, and assess soil conditions.
Robots are being used in agriculture for a variety of tasks, such as harvesting, weeding, and planting. Robots can help to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.
Soil sensors are devices that measure soil conditions, such as temperature, moisture, and pH. Soil sensors can help farmers to optimize irrigation and fertilization practices.
Weather forecasting is the process of predicting future weather conditions. Weather forecasting can help farmers to plan for planting and harvesting, and to protect their crops from pests and diseases.
E-technology is transforming the way we farm. New technologies are helping farmers to improve efficiency, increase yields, and reduce costs. These technologies are essential for the future of agriculture.
Here are some specific examples of how e-technology is being used in agriculture:
- In California, farmers are using drones to monitor their crops for pests and diseases. The drones can fly over the fields and take pictures, which are then analyzed by AI to identify any problems. This allows farmers to take action quickly to prevent the spread of pests or diseases.
- In India, farmers are using IoT devices to monitor soil conditions and weather patterns. This data is then used to optimize irrigation and fertilization practices. This has led to increased crop yields and reduced costs.
- In China, farmers are using robots to harvest crops. The robots can pick fruits and vegetables more quickly and accurately than humans. This has led to increased efficiency and reduced labor costs.
These are just a few examples of how e-technology is being used in agriculture around the world. As these technologies continue to develop, they will have an even greater impact on the way we farm.
What is e-technology?
E-technology is the use of electronic devices and the internet to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of agriculture.
How can e-technology help farmers?
E-technology can help farmers in a number of ways, including:
- Improving communication with buyers and suppliers
- Accessing weather forecasts and market information
- Monitoring crops and livestock
- Controlling irrigation and other farm equipment
- Automating tasks
- Selling produce online
What are some examples of e-technology that are used in agriculture?
Some examples of e-technology that are used in agriculture include:
- Farm management software: This software can help farmers track their finances, inventory, and production.
- Weather forecasting websites: These websites can provide farmers with up-to-date weather forecasts, which can help them make decisions about planting, harvesting, and irrigation.
- Crop monitoring drones: These drones can be used to monitor crops for pests, diseases, and water Stress.
- Automated irrigation systems: These systems can be used to water crops without the need for human intervention.
- Robotic milking machines: These machines can be used to milk cows without the need for human labor.
- Online marketplaces: These marketplaces allow farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers.
What are the benefits of using e-technology in agriculture?
The benefits of using e-technology in agriculture include:
- Increased efficiency: E-technology can help farmers to be more efficient in their operations. For example, farm management software can help farmers to track their finances, inventory, and production, which can save them time and Money.
- Improved decision-making: E-technology can help farmers to make better decisions about their operations. For example, weather forecasting websites can provide farmers with up-to-date weather forecasts, which can help them make decisions about planting, harvesting, and irrigation.
- Increased productivity: E-technology can help farmers to be more productive. For example, automated irrigation systems can be used to water crops without the need for human intervention, which can free up farmers to focus on other tasks.
- Reduced costs: E-technology can help farmers to reduce their costs. For example, robotic milking machines can be used to milk cows without the need for human labor, which can save farmers on labor costs.
- Increased profits: E-technology can help farmers to increase their profits. For example, online marketplaces allow farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers, which can help them to get a better price for their produce.
What are the challenges of using e-technology in agriculture?
The challenges of using e-technology in agriculture include:
- The cost of e-technology can be a barrier for some farmers.
- E-technology can be complex to use, and farmers may need training to be able to use it effectively.
- There is a risk of data breaches and cyberattacks when using e-technology.
- The use of e-technology can lead to job losses in some areas, such as in the agricultural labor force.
What is the future of e-technology in agriculture?
The future of e-technology in agriculture is bright. E-technology has the potential to revolutionize the way that agriculture is practiced, and it is likely that e-technology will become increasingly important in the years to come.
-
Which of the following is not a technology mission in agriculture?
(A) The National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP)
(B) The National Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture Mission (NHM)
(C) The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
(D) The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) -
Which of the following is not a benefit of e-technology in agriculture?
(A) Improved efficiency in farm operations
(B) Increased productivity
(C) Reduced costs
(D) Increased risk of cyber attacks -
Which of the following is not a challenge to the adoption of e-technology in agriculture?
(A) Lack of awareness among farmers
(B) High cost of technology
(C) Lack of Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE
(D) Lack of government support -
Which of the following is not a way to promote the adoption of e-technology in agriculture?
(A) Providing subsidies to farmers
(B) Setting up e-kiosks in rural areas
(C) Training farmers on how to use e-technology
(D) Providing tax breaks to companies that develop e-technology for agriculture -
Which of the following is not a goal of the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP)?
(A) To increase agricultural productivity
(B) To improve the efficiency of agricultural operations
(C) To reduce the cost of agricultural production
(D) To increase the income of farmers -
Which of the following is not a goal of the National Horticulture Mission (NHM)?
(A) To increase the production of fruits and vegetables
(B) To improve the quality of fruits and vegetables
(C) To increase the export of fruits and vegetables
(D) To increase the income of farmers -
Which of the following is not a goal of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)?
(A) To increase milk production
(B) To improve the quality of milk
(C) To increase the export of milk products
(D) To increase the income of farmers -
Which of the following is not a goal of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?
(A) To increase the area under irrigation
(B) To improve the efficiency of irrigation
(C) To reduce the cost of irrigation
(D) To increase the income of farmers -
Which of the following is not a benefit of the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP)?
(A) Increased agricultural productivity
(B) Improved efficiency of agricultural operations
(C) Reduced cost of agricultural production
(D) Increased risk of cyber attacks -
Which of the following is not a benefit of the National Horticulture Mission (NHM)?
(A) Increased production of fruits and vegetables
(B) Improved quality of fruits and vegetables
(C) Increased export of fruits and vegetables
(D) Increased income of farmers -
Which of the following is not a benefit of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)?
(A) Increased milk production
(B) Improved quality of milk
(C) Increased export of milk products
(D) Increased income of farmers -
Which of the following is not a benefit of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?
(A) Increased area under irrigation
(B) Improved efficiency of irrigation
(C) Reduced cost of irrigation
(D) Increased risk of cyber attacks -
Which of the following is a challenge to the adoption of e-technology in agriculture?
(A) Lack of awareness among farmers
(B) High cost of technology
(C) Lack of infrastructure
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to promote the adoption of e-technology in agriculture?
(A) Providing subsidies to farmers
(B) Setting up e-kiosks in rural areas
(C) Training farmers on how to use e-technology
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is not a goal of the government of India in the field of agriculture?
(A) To increase agricultural productivity
(B) To improve the efficiency of agricultural operations
(C) To reduce the cost of agricultural production
(D) To increase the income of farmers