Key Takeaways
- 47% of farm work is now mechanised, facilitating surplus production and exports.
- Drones and precision equipment are revolutionising crop management and harvesting.
- Technological advancements have transformed agriculture into a multi-disciplinary field, integrating AI and machine learning.
Transforming Agriculture through Technology
Advancements in agricultural technology are significantly enhancing productivity and addressing modern farming challenges, as discussed in a recent webinar titled “Agriculture Technology Revolution.” This event was organized by the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) in collaboration with The Hindu.
Devinder Dhingra, a principal scientist at the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), reported that mechanisation has increased to 47% in farming. The adoption of scientific methodologies has resulted in surplus production, facilitating the export of agricultural products. Although mechanisation of horticulture crop harvesting remains challenging, field crop harvesting has seen substantial mechanisation, with farmers increasingly using precision equipment. Dhingra also highlighted the growing use of drones in crop management and pesticide spraying, alongside significant advancements in crop storage solutions.
Poorna Pushkala, CEO of Samunnati Foundation, emphasized the impact of decentralized energy systems and agricultural technology (ad-tech) innovations on the sector. Customized solutions tailored to specific climatic and geographical conditions are now prevalent. She noted that numerous post-harvest technologies have emerged from students and young professionals, indicating that innovative problem-solving is key to engaging with the agricultural sector.
Leenus Jesu Martin M., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at SRMIST, pointed out that agriculture has evolved from being a standalone discipline to a multi-disciplinary field. Engineers from diverse backgrounds—mechanical, automation, and computing—are integral to the mechanisation process. He emphasized the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in promoting smart agriculture, as well as the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) in connecting various agricultural tasks.
Jawaharlal M., Dean of SRM College of Agriculture Sciences, added that virtually all branches of engineering and technology can be linked to agriculture. He advocated for collective farming systems, which can benefit workers, and noted the potential for producing high-value crops in lower volumes through effective use of technology.
The webinar, moderated by A.M. Jigeesh, Senior Deputy Editor of The Hindu, highlighted the critical intersection of technology and agriculture in shaping the future of the sector.
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