NEW DELHI, 30 December 2024: The Government of India is spearheading a technological transformation in agriculture, integrating cutting-edge innovations to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
Supported by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its partner institutions, these advancements span across production and post-production stages.
Key initiatives include:
- AI-Powered Harvesting: Development of an autonomous apple harvester using artificial intelligence.
- Mango Sorting System: Deployment of optical and X-ray sensors for precise mango sorting and grading.
- Blockchain for Bananas: Implementation of blockchain technology to streamline and secure the banana supply chain.
- IoT Cold Storage: IoT-based monitoring systems for optimized cold storage management.
- Energy-Efficient Vending: Creation of vending carts for fruits and vegetables, leveraging phase change materials (PCMs) for temperature control.
- Ethylene Degradation: A composite photocatalytic reactor utilizing visible light to degrade ethylene, enhancing produce shelf life.
Agri Drones: The New Frontier
Agricultural drones, primarily hexacopters equipped with cameras and sprayers, are revolutionizing farming practices. These drones:
- Boost Efficiency: Cover vast areas to distribute pesticides, water crops, or monitor plant health.
- Increase Income: Farmers can lease drones when not in use, generating additional revenue.
- Reduce Risks: Advanced spraying technology minimizes water and fertilizer usage, reduces human exposure to toxic chemicals, and enhances precision through nano-scale droplet breakdown.
The proliferation of agri drones has fostered direct and indirect employment opportunities, catalyzing a ripple effect across rural economies.
Namo Drone Didi Scheme: Empowering Women in Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is actively promoting drone adoption through demonstrations, rental services, and purchase subsidies. The Namo Drone Didi scheme aims to empower women self-help groups (SHGs) by providing access to drones. Key highlights of the scheme:
- Budget Allocation: ₹1,261 crores approved.
- Cost Sharing: Covers 80% of the drone cost and setup expenses, up to ₹8 lakh per drone.
- Drone Distribution: Plans to deliver 15,000 drones, with 500 already procured and 3,000 targeted for distribution to SHGs in 2024-25.
This blend of innovation and empowerment reflects India’s commitment to harnessing technology for agricultural advancement, ensuring sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for farmers.
