• Introduction – A short introduction to science and technology in agriculture (15 words)                     
• Body – Role of science and technology to help farmers (120 words)
• Conclusion – Mention a short conclusion  (15 words)

ANSWER

Agricultural practices and advancements differ globally—since plants have their own differences and the location plays a role on their development as well. But through the exchange of knowledge from different agriculturally-involved individuals from all over the world, improvement of techniques can be experienced as well. It has made an impact on how information is shared, and being able to use this information for the advancement of the agricultural sector gives a great positive impact that is beneficial for everyone. IT has become a bridge for people from all over the world.

• This field has emerged out of the convergence of ICT and conventional agriculture. Internet and related technology is utilised to enhance farming techniques and practices. This is achieved by arming the farmers with better knowledge and information about various products and services he can use to improve crop productivity.
• Besides this, the farmers are also provided with the correct market rates and prices that assist them to sell their harvest at the best price. The various information disseminated to the agriculturists include- state and union government policies and schemes as well as the institutions that dispense these schemes, innovations in agriculture and allied services, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), agencies that provide HYV seeds, new fertilisers, manure, etc. and provision of training in new farming techniques.

Some of the emerging technologies that are touted to be highly beneficial in the field of agriculture are listed below-

• Smartphone Technology: As Digital India has been spreading across India, more and more households are acquiring smartphones every day.This piece of technology has found immense use in the corporate, R&D and communication sectors. Especially the mobile software, also known as ‘applications’ have made smartphone a multidimensional utility device. In terms of farming practices, smartphone can be utilised in the following ways-
  • Spreading awareness via SMS, special news and info applications and voice calls.
  • Improving connectivity and outreach through various online platforms.
  • Wireless monitor for area coverage, manure and chemical usage and other records.
  • Location specific apps which connects farmers of a region to a local major marketplace.
  • Agricultural specific calculation for accurate measures of substance, products and prices.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): RFID Technology ensures a major boost to research, development and innovation in the agricultural field. Radio sensors have been used for over a decade to tag domestic animals for tracking and identification. Similarly, it can be implemented on crops and foods to track and identify their origin, perishability, etc.
• Global Positioning System (GPS): Conventionally used to map and navigate terrains, GPS technology can be used alongside variable rate technology. Through this technology, the farmers can monitor their entire farm and focus on the areas which require attention. For example, some areas of a field might not have been treated with fertilisers; the farmer can quickly identify this and take necessary action. This also prevents issues like cattle trespassing, infestations and other troubles.
• While there are many benefits of e-technology in farming at various levels including the producers, consumers as well as the government, they can be broadly summed up as-
  • Using site specific crop management model (SSCM) that is based on observing, measuring and responding to the variability of crops across the fields, farmers can achieve precision farming. This helps the farmers utilise their resources optimally and generate a high yield in terms of quantity and quality.
  • This innovation is not only production specific, but also caters to the environmental concerns raised by agricultural practices.
  • Making necessary information and knowledge accessible on the fingertips of the farmers improves decision making capabilities of the farmers helping them choose the optimum factors for their crops.
  • This information is not only related to farming techniques but also tells them about the details of the market as well as makes them aware of their consumer’s requirements and demands.
  • Availability of farming software further helps in better planning of farming techniques. These software’s include database management, inventory management, record keeping, field monitoring, crop requirements and many more options to make farm management and planning easier and more effective for farmers.
  • ICT makes agricultural breakthroughs available to farmers across the world. So whenever a scientist or a researcher has found a way to curb crop diseases due to heavy rains by increasing its moisture tolerability, the farmers can come to know about it and implement it in their practices