Investment in science and tech to push agriculture, growth
On Friday, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma met Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and discussed issues of mutual cooperation and ties to ensure world food security. The Agriculture Minister expressed interest in the technology used by the US for weather forecasting to improve preparedness as well as redressal of problems caused by natural calamities, said a PIB release. The two countries emphasised on transforming the structure of the cooperation vis-à-vis the current scenario, which needs changes in the agreement signed in 2010 in the agriculture and allied sectors. Both the countries agreed to focus on their cooperation in agriculture and take immediate steps for renewing the MoU signed in 2010 at the earliest. The two parties have agreed to include new areas in the light of changing circumstances. It was also decided to amicably resolve sanitary and phytosanitary issues between the two countries for enhanced bilateral trade. The US Ambassador appreciated the work done by the India government and the USAID for the Agriculture Food Security Programme. Recently, a study conducted by the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with the weather forecasting agency, Skymet, pitched for the deployment of technology in the agriculture sector. Use of technology and updated weather information can boost the agriculture sector by solving many problems of small and marginal farmers, said a joint study by the industry body, ASSOCHAM and weather forecasting agency Skymet. The report mentioned the government’s various moves towards providing support with advanced technologies and means that include the use of drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). “Drones are quickly moving from the battle field towards the farmers’ field and are on the verge of helping growers oversee millions of acres, thereby saving big money for them in the process,” the study said. Describing existing crop monitoring methods as time-consuming, the report said drones/UAVs can help the user to monitor crops with high accuracy. Also, satellite imagery can cover up to hundreds of hectares in a single flight without any additional cost and hassle. The imagery provided by drones/UAVs is greater than that of the satellite imagery in the cases of cloud cover, it added. Having the advantage of easier transport and efficient data, the new technology will definitely play a key role in boosting yields, cutting costs and driving the business forward. The report also said that in times to come, the sensor technologies and the satellite imagery techniques would help the government in finding appropriate solutions for the farmers. Technology advancements in the sector would help farmers in planning crops months in advance, considering adverse climatic changes. It will also help them in pests and disease forecasting to avoid crop failure. The study also suggested the government to invest in science and technology focused on agriculture in order to enable farmers to harvest better crops and make farming free from the grip of the money lenders. The paper noted that the improved farm sector data will also help banks and insurance companies to target credit much more effectively. When the financial institutions have a clear measure of risk, the interest rates or premiums decline, the report added.
May 1, 2015 | 7:30 pm IST.
to success.