Precision Farming: Revolutionizing Agriculture in India

This event was a collaborative effort with ICL and the Potash Research Institute of India (PRII), and it successfully brought together 39 experts from various sectors of the agricultural industry. The conference aimed to explore the transformative potential of precision farming and its implications for the future of agriculture in India.

Precision farming as viewed by key speakers 

Mr. Shay Meytal, Vice President of Agronomy at ICL Growing Solutions, Israel emphasized the transformative potential of precision farming, explaining how it can change the way farmers approach their work. He pointed out that precision farming is not just about technology; it’s about improving the overall farming experience. He highlighted the need for farmer-friendly interfaces in precision agriculture technologies. This means that the tools and technologies developed must be easy for farmers to understand and use. Mr. Meytal noted that accessibility is key to ensuring that all farmers, regardless of their size or resources, can take advantage of precision farming techniques.

Dr. S.K. Bansal, Director of PRII, Gurugram, discussed the critical need for efficient use of agricultural inputs. He explained that with the growing population and increasing food demand, it is essential to use resources wisely to ensure sustainability. He shared compelling examples of precision farming in action, such as nutrient monitoring in capsicum crops. These examples illustrated how precision farming can lead to better crop health and higher yields. Dr. Bansal suggested cooperative models to make precision farming accessible to small farmers. By working together, small farmers can share resources and knowledge, making it easier for them to adopt these advanced practices.

Mr. D. Ramakrishnan, Interim Head and Secretary, FAI, provided an overview of FAI’s activities, highlighting the association’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices in India. He emphasized the timeliness and importance of the conference topic, noting that as the agricultural landscape evolves, discussions around precision farming are more relevant than ever.

Dr. Kabita Debnath Das, Chief of Agricultural Sciences, FAI, defined precision farming and its role in optimizing crop yields. She explained that precision farming involves using technology to monitor and manage field variability in crops. She discussed the growing traction of precision agriculture in India, noting that more farmers are beginning to recognize its benefits and highlighted challenges such as limited awareness and infrastructure issues that need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of precision farming in the country.

Participants at the roundtable on precision farming organized by Fertiliser Association of India

Presenting the latest technology

The conference featured a series of presentations on various aspects of precision farming, showcasing the latest advancements and research in the field: Dr. Vinay Sehgal from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute spoke about using remote sensing and crop modeling for smart farming; Dr. Tarin Paz-Kagan from Ben-Gurion University presented on citrus remote sensing; Dr. K.K. Singh of Zuari FarmHub Limited discussed new nutrient management technologies; Dr. Tarunendu Singh of IFFCO talked about precision nutrition for sustainable farming. Finally, Dr. Shailendra Pratap Singh from ICL Fertilizer India presented on the Potash 4 Life trials management tool and his colleague Mr. Sanjay Namdev Biradar explained the ICLeaf and Crop Advisor programs.

In the roundtable summary, Mr. Sanjay Namdev Biradar backed the speakers’ points on smart farming needs. He stressed training young professionals to use Earth observation data and tools to boost resource efficiency and manage crop stresses. He called for public-private teamwork to create new products, combine NPK with organic inputs, and promote targeted fertilizer use based on soil tests. He suggested providing affordable equipment rentals and blending traditional and modern farming methods.

Mr. Biradar explained that ICLeaf uses infrared X-ray tech to measure spectra calibrated to an analysis. Machine learning helps analyze nutrients and crops very accurately without damaging samples. This method improves yields, cuts fertilizer costs, and boosts sales.

He further mentioned Agmatix platforms that enable quicker, more precise choices and enhance product development. These tools increase real-time insights, fill data gaps, and gather much more field data. They provide clean, ready-to-analyze information and speed up analysis with a central knowledge base. He concluded that these methods simplify complex tasks. ICL urged bringing precision farming to farmers to improve input efficiency and crop output.

A game-changer for Indian agriculture

The roundtable conference highlighted the immense potential of precision farming in Indian agriculture. By adopting these advanced techniques, farmers can significantly improve crop yields, optimize resource use, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. The challenge now lies in making these technologies accessible and user-friendly for farmers across India. This accessibility will pave the way for a more efficient and productive agricultural sector, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.