NEWS – The Government of India is set to invest Rs 6,000 crore to boost precision farming, aiming to integrate modern technologies into agriculture. Technologies include Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics to improve crop yields and minimize environmental impact

HIGHLIGHTS

Smart Precision Horticulture Programme

• Launched under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
• Will cover 15,000 acres over five years (2024-2029) and benefit 60,000 farmers.
• Aims to maximize the efficient use of resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides while increasing production quality and insulating farmers from climate uncertainties.

Financial Support through Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

• AIF, launched during COVID-19, supports smart farming practices.
• Provides 3% interest subvention for loans to individual farmers and groups (e.g., Farmer Producer Organizations, SHGs).
• Funds can be used for purchasing drones, automation tools, sensors, and applying AI or blockchain technologies.

International Collaborations and Centres of Excellence

• Partnerships with countries like the Netherlands and Israel.
• Under the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project, 32 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) have been set up across 14 states.
• The government plans to expand CoEs to 100 over the next five years.

Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs)

• 22 PFDCs established to test and modify precision farming technologies as per local needs.
• Located at State/Central Agricultural Universities, ICAR Institutes, and IITs across 20 states including TN, Karnataka, and West Bengal.

Schemes Promoting AI in Agriculture

• Funds are being allocated to states/UTs for AI and machine learning projects in agriculture under the National e-Governance Plan.
• Encourages the use of smart technologies to drive sustainable farming practices.