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Precision Farming
Context:
The Central government is considering allocating ₹6,000 crore to promote precision farming.
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- The Union Ministry of Agriculture is reportedly planning to launch a Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the existing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme.
- The program will cover 15,000 acres over five years, from 2024-25 to 2028-29, and is expected to benefit around 60,000 farmers.
- Currently, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, provides financial support for infrastructure projects related to smart and precision agriculture.
- The Centre is exploring collaborations with the Netherlands and Israel, where modern, tech-based farming solutions are widely used, through Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
- The number of CoEs is expected to grow to 100 over the next five years.
- Currently, 32 CoEs have already been established across 14 states under the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project.
- The government has also established 22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) across India to test and adapt new technologies to local conditions.
Precision Farming
Also known as precision agriculture, it is an advanced farming management approach that utilises technology to observe, measure, and respond to variability in crops and fields. This method aims to optimise agricultural production while minimising environmental impact and resource use.
- Benefits: Increased Efficiency, Cost Savings and Better Crop Management.
- Challenges: High Initial Costs, Data Management and Lack of Standard.