Precision agriculture is the future of farming, says expert

Mysuru: Former director of the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) Kota Harinarayana on Thursday predicted that the advent of artificial intelligence, machine learning and drones would transform the agriculture and horticulture sectors in the foreseeable future. “Extensive use of technology in these sectors will have a positive impact on our economy,” said Harinarayana.
The former ADE director, delivering the keynote address on the occasion of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) 77th Foundation Day at the Central Food Technology and Research institute (CFTRI) in the city, said that greater use of the latest technological advancements could help boost the contribution of the farming sector to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Pointing to the challenges confronting medium and small farmers, Harinarayana said, “Going ahead, precision agriculture, which entails the use of AI, drones and machine learning, will be employed extensively in agriculture. Precision agriculture will have a marked effect on farm productivity. Right from assessing the land before sowing the crop to harvesting the produce, precision agriculture will come handy.”
On the extent to which that drones could be used to reduce burden on farmers, Harinarayana said, “Drones can be used for spraying, counting of plants, detecting anomalies, etc. The best part about drones is that they can be deployed in all weather conditions. Also, use of AI for image processing will help farmers in multiple ways.”
Precision agriculture was contingent on speedy acquisition and analysis of data, he added. “Use of GIS, GPS and image processing to determine the nutrient composition of the soil, and early detection of pests and diseases are also processes that add to the benefits of precision agriculture,” said Harinarayana.
On the economic front, he said that increased employment of these technological tools would eliminate several redundant jobs involving a lot of drudgery, which would in turn reduce the amount of money spent by farmers on labour. “Drones can carry out several costs, and at remarkably high speeds, and these are just some of the most obvious advantages,” the former ADE director said.
Expressing concern over the rapidly depleting groundwater levels across the country, Harinarayana added, “Fluctuations in the weather are adding to the troubles of the farmers. These advancements will make their lives considerably matter.”
Director of SDM Institute of Management Development in Mysuru NR Parasuram, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, called for a push towards sustainable models of development.
Several senior officials of CFTRI were among those in attendance at the Foundation Day celebrations on Thursday. Meritorious students were felicitated, and those who have triumphed at various competitions were recognised on the occasion.