Revolutionizing Agriculture: Geospatial Technologies and Precision Farming in India

Abstract

Geospatial technologies have emerged as a crucial component in the agricultureEnvironmentsocial sector of IndiaIndia, driven by the advancements in electronic technology and the decreasing costs of computer and mobile devices. Indian agriculture confronts challenges such as severe climate events, pest invasions, nutrient management, and carbon emissions. To address these challenges, the adoption of new farming techniques is essential. The integration of new digital platforms into traditional agricultural practices has proven to be highly beneficial. These platforms assist farmers in various aspects of their agricultural practices, leading to reduced crop distress, enhanced yield, and improved overall efficiency. With the aid of digital agriculture, real-time information about farmland requirements can be gathered and analyzed. Geospatial technologies play a critical role in handling this data, providing valuable insights and decision support at various scales. By leveraging these technologies, farmers can make informed decisions and take appropriate actions to optimize productivityProductivity and market value. The Digital Agriculture Mission 2021–2025 has been designed with a specific focus on delivering agri-focused solutions that directly benefit farmers. The mission aims to increase farmers' income, enabling them to contribute significantly to the nation's economic growth and food securitySecurity. The mission recognizes the potential of digital technologiesDigital technologies in transforming the agriculture sector and seeks to harness their power through strategic initiatives and partnerships. Over the past two decades, the development and research in precision agriculture have made significant contributions to the Indian agriculture sector. Precision agriculture leverages spatial and temporal data related to crops and the environment, enabling farmers to achieve greater productivityProductivity and market value. By utilizing advanced technologies and analytical tools, precision agriculture facilitates efficient resource management, optimal decision-making, and targeted interventions. This chapter provides an in-depth technological review of the utilization of geospatial technologies in the agriculture sector of IndiaIndia. By understanding the potential and benefits of geospatial technologies, stakeholders can effectively leverage them to drive the transformation and growth of the agriculture sector in India.