“Indian farming is inherently vulnerable to the unpredictability of nature.” In light of this statement, discuss the role of technology-based solutions in mitigating climate risks and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth.

Answer: Model Answer approach

The question’s primary focus is on how technology-based farming might address erratic climatic trends while boosting farmer revenue. Give relevant examples of agricultural technology to support your response.

Introduction: Link Indian agriculture to environmental susceptibility and present information on the loss of India’s arable land as a result of climatic fluctuations.

• Indian agriculture is naturally susceptible to the unpredictable character of the environment. The agricultural industry faces difficulties that affect crop production and livelihoods, such as unpredictable monsoons and harsh weather occurrences. The nation lost 35 million hectares of agricultural land owing to drought and 33.9 million hectares due to floods and excessive rains in the six-year period from 2015 to 21.

Body: Describe how technology are utilized to address the unpredictability of the environment and boost farmers’ incomes. Give instances of agricultural technology applications and the government’s efforts to advance agricultural technology.

Using technology in farming can help farmers earn more money while addressing climate uncertainty. Techniques for Precision Farming: 

• Farmers can make accurate decisions about fertilization and irrigation by keeping an eye on the nutrient concentration, moisture content, and soil conditions.
• Satellite Farmers may map their fields, spot differences in crop health, and develop specialized treatment programs with the help of GPS devices and ImaSatellite technology. For instance, RISAT-1, INSAT-3D, INSAT-3DR, and others are utilized in agriculture.
• Drones are widely used for crop monitoring, mapping, and surveying. FPOs are receiving support from the Indian government for Kisan Drones. For farmers, technology-driven models provide accurate weather forecasts. Weather forecasting is aided by the Kalpana-1 satellite.
• Crop Varieties Resistant to Climate Change: Biotechnology creates crops that can withstand environmental pressures. A genetically engineered type of cotton called B.T. Cotton fights off pests like bollworm.

Conclusion: Provide a forward-looking conclusion by establishing a connection between economic advancement and smart agriculture. Next, relate it to the economy’s sustainable growth.

• Sustainable growth is accelerated by the economy’s adoption of smart agriculture. In its report, the Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI), also known as the Ashok Dalwai Committee, acknowledged the potential of digital technology to revolutionize the way that agriculture is conducted in rural India by modernizing and organising its operations.

Practice Question

Question: The Ashok Dalwai Committee (Doubling Farmers’ Income) emphasized the transformational role of digital technology in agriculture. Critically analyze the progress made in integrating smart agriculture with rural livelihoods in India.

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