“We recognise the significant potential of technology to stimulate entrepreneurship and drive economic development in rural areas”

 In an exclusive interaction with AgroSpectrum, Amandeep Panwar, Co-founder & Director of BharatRohan – Agri-tech Drone, shares insights into this collaboration and the potential impact of hyperspectral technology on Indian agriculture.

BharatRohan, an Ag-tech firm based in India, specialising in empowering farmers through advanced UAV-based decision support systems utilising Hyperspectral Imaging technology has a mission to enhance traceable, sustainable, and secure food supply chains while improving farmers’ profitability. In a recent development, BharatRohan has collaborated with AgHub, the agricultural innovation hub of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), to develop hyperspectral libraries for paddy and cotton crops. In an exclusive interaction with AgroSpectrum, Amandeep Panwar, Co-founder & Director of BharatRohan – Agri-tech Drone, shares insights into this collaboration and the potential impact of hyperspectral technology on Indian agriculture. Edited excerpts; 

Recently you tied up with AgHub at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) to develop hyperspectral libraries for paddy and cotton crop. Please elaborate on this development.

Our collaboration with AgHub at PJTSAU marks a significant advancement in agricultural technology, particularly in paddy and cotton crops. Through this collaboration, we are focused on developing hyperspectral libraries specifically designed for these crops, leveraging drone technology equipped with hyperspectral imaging capabilities.

Hyperspectral imaging enables the detailed analysis of crops by capturing a wide range of wavelengths, extending beyond human visual perception. Through the creation of these specialised libraries, we can catalogue and analyse the distinct spectral signatures of both healthy and distressed crops, including those affected by pests, diseases, or environmental factors.

Tailoring hyperspectral libraries to paddy and cotton crops allows for customised recommendations and solutions based on their unique spectral characteristics. This precision ensures that interventions are targeted and effective in addressing specific crop health challenges, empowering farmers with tailored insights to optimise productivity and sustainability.

Lately, the agricultural industry has witnessed a lot of development in the technology sector. What is your take on this and how will this help the growth of Indian agriculture?

The recent surge of technological advancements in the agriculture sector is undoubtedly a game-changer for Indian agriculture, holding immense promise for revolutionising traditional farming methods and addressing the challenges faced by farmers across the country. Embracing agricultural technology isn’t merely about maintaining competitiveness; it’s about fulfilling our mission to empower farmers and ensure the long-term sustainability of Indian agriculture.

Through the utilisation of drone-based hyperspectral imaging, we offer farmers innovative solutions to optimise their operations, enhance productivity, and manage risks effectively. These advancements enable us to extend our impact, particularly to remote and marginalised farming communities. Leveraging digital platforms like WhatsApp chatbot and dashboard, we onboard farmers onto our platform, providing them with crucial updates on weather conditions, distributing survey prescription maps, and facilitating connections with agronomists. Additionally, our dashboard serves as a centralised hub for tracking all farmer activities, ensuring traceability and potentially securing higher market prices for their produce.

Furthermore, I recognise the significant potential of agricultural technology to stimulate entrepreneurship and drive economic development in rural areas. Initiatives such as training individuals as drone pilots and offering drone franchise ownership opportunities have the potential to create new avenues for economic empowerment and growth within rural communities.

You have said that hyperspectral technology will help in attaining healthier crops, reducing input costs and enhancing yields. Could you shed some light on this?

Hyperspectral technology plays a crucial role in achieving healthier crops, reducing input costs, and enhancing yields in agriculture. Early Detection of Crop Stress: Hyperspectral imaging allows for the early detection of crop stressors such as nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, diseases, and water stress. By capturing detailed spectral data beyond the range of human vision, hyperspectral sensors can identify subtle changes in plant health before they become visually apparent. This early detection enables farmers to take proactive measures to address issues promptly, preventing significant yield losses.

Precision Farming Practices: With hyperspectral technology, farmers can implement precision farming practices tailored to the specific needs of their crops. By analysing spectral signatures, farmers can identify areas of the field that require targeted interventions, such as precise application of fertilisers, pesticides, and water. This targeted approach minimises input wastage, optimises resource utilisation, and promotes efficient crop growth.

Optimised Resource Management: Hyperspectral imaging enables precise monitoring of crop health and growth parameters, allowing farmers to optimise resource management decisions. By understanding the nutritional needs and growth patterns of their crops, farmers can adjust inputs such as fertilisers, irrigation, and crop protection products in real-time, ensuring that resources are applied efficiently to support optimal crop development.

Enhanced Yields and Quality: By leveraging hyperspectral technology to monitor and manage crop health effectively, farmers can achieve higher yields and improved crop quality. Early detection and intervention against stressors result in healthier plants, reduced crop losses, and ultimately, increased productivity. Additionally, by fine-tuning inputs based on spectral data, farmers can optimise crop development and achieve better quality produce, commanding higher prices in the market.

Cost Savings: Hyperspectral technology helps farmers reduce input costs by minimising the overuse of fertilisers, pesticides, and water. By applying inputs only where and when needed, farmers can save on expenses while maximising the effectiveness of their agricultural practices. Furthermore, the early detection of crop stressors allows for timely interventions, preventing the need for costly corrective measures later in the season.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumasia.com/e-magazine.

 In an exclusive interaction with AgroSpectrum, Amandeep