Context:
India is an agriculture powerhouse: an estimated of 2024 $440.8 billion gross output 7.91% yoy from 2024 to 2028. 42% of the available cultivable area is drought prone and 54% of its net sown area is Rain fed, the entire farming becomes susceptible to change in climate conditions and erratic rainfall. Although foodgrain production remained at 329.6 million tonnes in 2022-23 and 309 million tonnes in 2023-24, an absolute decline, technology intervention is urgently needed.
Drones in Agriculture: A Game Changer
- Drones were initially developed as a military device. They are today routinely used for pesticide spray to plant sowing, soil analysis, and aerial imaging.
- Research from the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), India, indicates that drone based application of pesticide decreases the use by 15% and increases cost efficiency by 23%.
Data Collection and Analysis
- Drones collect the real time data based on multispectral imagery, thermal imaging, and crop health monitoring, which improves the decision making abilities among farmers.
- When used together with weather forecasts and soil sensor data, drones can improve nitrogen management and reduce fertilizer usage, thereby saving time and resources.
Precision Agriculture for Sustainability
- Drones and IoT sensors facilitate site specific crop management, resulting in:
- Less water consumption
- Less use of fertilizers
- More crop yields
- The monitoring of soil moisture, temperature, pH, and nutrients in real time makes irrigation and fertilization smarter.
- Water scarcity crisis: India is heading towards one soon, according to the OECD Environmental Outlook 2050. Thus, drones will play a key role in optimising water usage.
The Future of Smart Farming in India
Drones are transforming Indian agriculture with increased efficiency, lowered cost, and higher productivity. To overcome the challenges of risks from climate change and water shortages, India must further adopt precision and data driven agriculture techniques. India can create an effective, sustainable, and resilient agricultural future meeting increased food demand with the help of drones, big data, and IoT.
