2. NEED FOR PRECISION FARMING
๏ข Decline in the total productivity
๏ข Diminishing and degrading natural resources.
๏ข Stagnating farm incomes.
๏ข Lack of eco-regional approach
๏ข Declining and fragmented land holdings
๏ข Limited employment opportunities in non-farm
sector
๏ข Global climatic variation
3.
4. WHAT IS PRECISION FARMING ?
๏ข Precision farming or precision agriculture is about
doing the right thing, in the right place, in the right
way, at the right time.
๏ข This approach recognizes site-specific differences
within fields and adjusts management actions
accordingly.
๏ข Managing crop production inputs such as water,
seed, fertilizer etc to increase yield, quality, profit,
reduce waste and becomes eco-friendly.
๏ข concept based on observing, measuring and
responding to inter and intra-field variability in crops
5. ๏ข It is based on the global positioning system. The
unique character of GPS is precision in time and
space. Its use is fast spreading to all aspects of
farm operations and beyond.
8. TOOLS IN PRECISION FARMING
๏ข Global positioning system (GPS) : locate the
exact position of field information, such as soil type,
pest occurrence, weed invasion, water holes,
boundaries and obstructions.
9. ๏ข Sensor technologies : used to measure humidity,
vegetation, temperature, texture, structure, physical
character, humidity, nutrient level, vapour, air etc.
10. ๏ข Geographic information system: GIS is a kind of
computerized map . provide information on field
topography, soil types, surface drainage,
subsurface drainage, soil testing, irrigation,
chemical application rates and crop yield
11. ๏ข Grid soil sampling and variable-rate fertilizer
(VRT) application :
This involves dividing the field into several small and
equal divisions.
To do this tractor is fitted with dish antenna to recieve
signals from satellite.
Soil samples are mechanically taken from each sub
division.
12. Samples are tested in a modern soil testing laboratory
including physical and chemical characteristics of soil
and recorded.
Using the test results colour grams are created for entire
field.
The colour grams are stored in the computer for various
functions. This helps in balancing soil fertility of the field.
Fertilizers are then automatically applied at variable rates
only to where they are needed as indicated by colour
grams
This brings uniformity of soil fertility , and maximum
economic yield, which could not be achieved by other
methods.
13. ๏ข Rate controllers : control the delivery rate of
chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides,
either liquid or granular .
๏ข Precision irrigation in pressurized system:
controlling irrigation machine motions according to
data.
๏ข Yield monitor : the information generated is stored
in the computer are used for site specific evaluation
and monitoring by :
14. 1.planting variable rates of seed.
2. applying variable rates of herbicides and
pesticides.
This not only reduces the cost of chemicals but also
improves efficiency of pest control and protects
environment
Irrigation rates are given as per the information and
thereby improving water use efficiency.
15. THE WAY FORWARD.....
๏ข The most important component in taking PA
forward will be in creating a huge resource
of engineers, scientists and agriculturists to
develop various components of the
technology.
๏ข Scientists from ICAR institutes, engineers,
industries and farmers work together in
developing PA.
๏ข Industries have to take charge since they
will develop the machinery
16. ๏ข PA may provide a platform for industrial corporate
social responsibility (CSR) activity by helping the
rural poor improve their livelihood through high-tech
farming.
๏ขThe Government of India can
facilitate in this process by giving
loans to the industry so that they
get more engaged in agriculture
and PA activities.
17. ADVANTAGES
๏ข Agronomical perspective Use agronomical
practices by looking at specific requirements of
crop.
๏ข Technical perspective allows efficient time
management.
๏ข Environmental perspective eco-friendly practices
in crop.
๏ข Economical perspective increases crop yield,
quality and reduces cost of production by efficient
use of farm inputs, labour, water etc
18. Comparative statement on cost of cultivation of annual horticultural crops
under conventional & precision farming
19. crops Cost
in
conve
ntiona
l
Cost in
precisi
on
Yield in
conventi
onal in
MT
Yield in
precisi
on in
MT
%yield
increase
over
conventi
onal
Net
income
in
conventi
onal
Net
income
in
precisi
on
farmin
g
Mark
et
price
range
tomato 61000 99800 50 150 200 39000@
Rs.2/kg
275200
@Rs2.
5/kg
2โ30
/kg
Chilli 46000 68000 22 35 59.09 64000@
Rs 5/kg
142000
@Rs6/
kg
5-
15/kg
Capsic
um
49000 72000 18 25 39 95000Rs
8/kg
153000
@
Rs9/kg
8-25
/kg
Brinjal 50000 82000 60 150 150 70000@
Rs2/kg
293000
@Rs
2.5/kg
2-
30/kg
Bhindi 40600 62000 10 16 60 19400@
Rs 6/kg
50000
@Rs7/
kg
6-
16/kg
Cabba 51500 78000 75 110 46 173500 252000 3-
20. ๏ข India is reported to spend hundreds of crores of
rupees in different projects. A small fraction of the
current expenditure on precision farming can
purchase the real thing .
