With a population of 138 crores, agriculture has rapidly growing scope in India as it is the primary source of producing food for people. The rise in population has pushed the demand for food which will require more portion of land to be converted for agricultural purposes.
The rise in demand for food supply with limited sizes of fields available, is where the intervention of technology for agriculture is required.
Emergence of technology in the field of farming is needed to push the yield of crops further, utilize the inputs more efficiently and diversify to more sustainable and higher value cropping patterns. These knowledge intensive technologies requires a combination of strong research, extension system and skilled farmers. Effective utilization of resources is the driving force behind the use of agricultural technology. These methods for conservation of resources include zero and reduced tillage, green manuring, crop rotations, using drip and sprinkler type of irrigation, use of Farm Yard Manure (FYM), compost, and Bio fertilizers.
The agricultural sector does not only provide food for the population, but it is also accountable for livelihood of 65% of the population. It contributes to the 14% of the GDP of the country. These technologies need to be extended to the actual fields with adequate infrastructure with affordable method for the farmers is the key to agricultural growth.
Various sectors where agricultural technology can be focused :
Biotechnology
Use of biotechnology to genetically modify plants to make food crops high-yielding and more robust to abiotic stresses. Due to the rising food demand under the climate change and water scarcity, biotechnological tools can help stabilise food supplies for the rising population. Easy availability of these seeds across Indian farmers will boost its usage.
Protected CultivationGreenhouse cultivation or protected cultivation is the most assured area where production of horticultural crops has qualitatively and quantitatively world over in the last few decades. Speedy urbanisation, less space for agriculture, declining biodiversity and ever rising population with high demand for food especially vegetables lead to the rise of protected cultivation of crops.
Use of Modern Irrigation methods
Water is the key requirement for increasing the crop yield, around 78% of water goes into agriculture in India. The main focus should be dry land agriculture as more than 60% of the India’s cultivated area is lacking irrigation. The conventional irrigation methods where dependent on seasonal rains which are reduced due to climate change and it also leads to uneven irrigation. Recognizing this issue, the modern irrigation methods have been developed to cover vast fields and save water by using it efficiently.
Farm Mechanization India has a high share of labourers working in farms up to 55% as compared to farm mechanised systems i.e 40%. With exchange of knowledge and education of farmers regarding the adaptation of farm mechanization various benefits can be achieved. The use of modern equipment/tools/gadgets for rapid completion of different processes in agricultural field is one of the most important and effective method it increase profitability. Smaller and affordable machines will help farmers from remote areas to get better crop yield at economical costs.
Technology Knowledge spreadTransfer of agricultural technology related knowledge is important to reach diversely to all agriculturists. It should focus on key interventions at different stages of the crop from sowing of the seed, crop protection and harvesting, use of automated equipment, post-harvest management to marketing. These tools can also be useful in dissemination of weather data and agro-climatic conditions, latest information on prices of agriculture produce to farmers. Krishi Vighyan Kendras (KVKs) have been established in each district of the country and now these are the backbone of technology dissemination in our country. Renting farming equipment will also propagate the adaptation of modern agricultural methods.
Conclusion
It is evident that to meet the rising needs of consuming population and for the benefits of farmers the emerging agricultural technology will help in higher productivity. Padgilwar Corporation along with the help of government is reaching out to farmers even in the remotest area and changing the face of Indian agriculture sector.
