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HomePosts Tagged "Dr Sat Kumar Tomar"
Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, India

Experts from the agri sector have praised the announcement that aims to encourage more private and public investment in areas of post-harvest activities

The agricultural sector has expressed its appreciation for the Union Budget 2024. Experts from the agri sector have praised the announcement that aims to encourage more private and public investment in areas of post-harvest activities. This includes aggregation, modern storage, efficient supply chains, primary and secondary processing, as well as marketing and branding. This step is considered laudable and has been welcomed by the industry.

MK Dhanuka, Managing Director, Dhanuka Agritech said,

“We commend the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget announcement for adhering to the path of fiscal consolidation and yet presenting a far-sighted budget.  The announcement to further encourage private and public investment in areas of post-harvest activities including aggregation, modern storage, efficient supply chains, primary and secondary processing and marketing and branding is a laudable step. The move will help reduce huge wastage and in turn, help in enhancing farmers’ income. The focus on promoting ‘Research & Development’ as well as on technological advancement in various aspects including agriculture is also a step in the right direction. The decision to promote the application of Nano DAP on various crops in different agro-climatic zones is in line with the Government’s vision of promoting technological advancement in the rural sector. We have already witnessed the huge amount of savings to the tune of Rs 2.7 lakh crore that ‘Direct Benefit Transfer’ has resulted in.”

Amit Patjoshi, CEO, Palladium India said,

“We commend the government’s strong commitment to the agricultural sector evident in the Budget. The focus on value addition and income augmentation for farmers is pivotal, and the success of initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, benefiting 38 lakh farmers, is truly commendable. The support extended through Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Yojana, assisting 2.4 lakh SHGs and 60 thousand individuals, reflects a holistic approach towards empowering the agricultural community. The emphasis on reducing postharvest losses and enhancing productivity aligns with the sector’s long-term sustainability. Furthermore, the launch of schemes promoting climate-resilient activities for the blue economy 2.0 is a forward-looking step. This integrated and multi-sectoral approach for coastal aquaculture and mariculture, coupled with restoration and adaptation measures, holds promise for sustainable growth. Overall, this budget signals a positive trajectory for the agricultural sector, laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous future.”

Mohan Kumar Mishra, Secretary, National Council of Cooperative Training (NCCT) said,
“This budget is people-centric and focuses on agriculture, rural development, and fisheries, with a strong emphasis on farmer cooperatives and value addition.
Many initiatives are continuations of previous budgets, aiming to strengthen the rural credit structure. Primary Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) are expected to emerge as multi-service centres for rural prosperity with financial support and credit availability.”

Dr Sat Kumar Tomar, Founder & CEO,  Satyukt Analytics said, “The Budget 2024 has resonated positively with the agriculture sector, aligning with our expectations for a technologically driven, sustainable farming approach. While the integration of IoT devices for precision farming wasn’t explicitly mentioned, the focus on farmers is evident. Crop insurance coverage for 4 crore farmers under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana ensures risk mitigation. Additionally, the announcement of rooftop solarisation benefiting 1 crore households aligns with sustainable farming goals. The commitment to Direct financial assistance for 11.8 crore farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Yojana reflects a dedication to enhancing the 3Ps of agricultural business: productivity, predictability, and profitability. However, the industry was expecting more industry-centric announcements in this budget to further catalyze growth and innovation in the agricultural sector.”

Jinesh Shah, Managing Partner, Omnivore opined, “Despite the brevity, the interim budget offered some interesting interventions. Specifically in the agriculture sector, encouraging public-private partnerships for post-harvest activities can directly address the chronic issues around food waste, low-capacity utilization of processing units, and standardised quality. India’s dependence on edible oil imports has been a shadow on the atmanirbhar sentiment of the country. With the Atmanirbhar Oil Seeds Abhiyan, a reboot of the Yellow Revolution is afoot. This not only serves to make India self-sufficient in edible oil but also, with efficient implementation, will have a lasting impact on farmer incomes.

One of the most interesting aspects of the budget was the emphasis on green initiatives, specifically on alternative materials. The government’s support of regenerative practices will provide young startups in this space the necessary credibility in the global markets.”

Experts from the agri sector have praised

Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Drones, India, Opinions

By Dr Sat Kumar Tomar, Founder and CEO, Satyukt Analytics

The amount of data in the agriculture sector is increasing at an exponential rate. Smart tractors, drones, and other linked farm equipment are examples of connected equipment (IoT) gadgets that are starting to accumulate data. Growers and leaders in agriculture are realising that big data holds the key to unlocking discoveries that could accelerate the development of new technologies and improve soil health, plant genomics, animal management, and other areas. With embedded AI, agriculture analytics may extract useful insights that can improve agricultural production, animal and plant health, sustainable practices, and more.

With over 50 per cent of its population engaged in farming, the impact of ever-changing climate patterns on agriculture is profound in India. Notably, as two-thirds of the farmland in the country depends on rainwater, the climate stands as the primary factor affecting crop productivity.

Climate change is therefore a major worry, impacting agriculture both directly and indirectly. This change reflects itself through higher global temperatures, rising sea levels, more intense rainfall, glacier melting, shifts in crop growing seasons, and an increased frequency of extreme events like droughts and floods.

In light of the above, the use of agri-analytics, incorporating soil testing, plant disease diagnosis, precision agriculture, digital farming, agricultural remote sensing, and more, is increasingly vital in enhancing agricultural sustainability and productivity.

Soil Testing for Precision Agriculture

Soil forms the foundation of agriculture, and its health directly influences crop yields. In India, where more than 70 per cent of cultivated land suffers from soil degradation, soil testing is a crucial component of agricultural resilience. Soil testing involves analysing the nutrient content, pH levels, and other parameters of the soil to determine its health. By utilising data from soil testing, farmers can make informed decisions about fertilisers and irrigation, leading to improved crop yields and reduced environmental impact.

Plant Disease Diagnosis for Crop Health

Climate change brings not only unpredictable weather patterns but also altered pest and disease dynamics. The increased prevalence of pests and diseases poses a significant threat to crop health. Accurate and timely diagnosis of plant diseases is crucial for early intervention, preventing crop losses, and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Agri-analytics can assist farmers by offering tools and technologies for plant disease diagnosis, allowing for quicker responses and more sustainable pest control methods.

Precision Agriculture and Farming

Precision agriculture and precision farming are methodologies that integrate technology and data-driven approaches to optimise crop production. These techniques can mitigate the risks associated with climate change. Precision agriculture primarily involves utilising advanced technologies such as ground, air or satellite-based sensors to manage resources efficiently. It enables precise planting, irrigation, and harvesting, reducing waste and increasing yields. By adopting precision farming practices, farmers can adapt to changing climate conditions and enhance agricultural resilience.

Digital Farming for Data-Driven Decision Making

Digital farming which boasts of various technologies, including precision agriculture, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) allows farmers to collect and analyse data from sensors, drones, and other sources to make informed decisions about their crops and land. Digital farming empowers farmers with real-time information about weather conditions, soil health, and crop growth, enabling them to respond proactively to climate-related challenges.

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

By Dr Sat Kumar Tomar, Founder and

Agrotech, Digital Technologies, India, Opinions

 By Dr Sat Kumar Tomar, Founder and CEO, Satyukt Analytics

The fusion of agriculture and analytics empowers farmers with the actionable insights and tools needed to overcome the uncertainties of a changing climate and increasing demand for food. The right investments and partnerships can help agri-analytics revolutionise the agriculture sector. This will facilitate a sustainable and secure food supply for the future.

India stands as a prominent player in the agriculture sector globally. It is a major source of livelihood for a significant part of its population and also a huge contributor to the world’s agricultural landscape. Boasting expansive wheat, rice, and cotton plantations, the largest cattle herd, and being the leading producer of milk, pulses, and spices, India plays a key role in ensuring food security on a global scale. Employing nearly half of the nation’s workforce, the Indian agricultural sector will witness substantial growth, with forecasts indicating that it will be valued at $24 billion by 2025, as per the latest reports. However, the journey toward sustainable food production is not without challenges, and a synergy between agriculture and analytics holds the key to overcoming them.

Agriculture Analytics is helping bridge the gap

The combination of agriculture and analytics, commonly referred to as agri-analytics, has evolved as an important solution to the challenges confronting modern agriculture. Today, advancements in technologies such as satellite data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and many analytics tools have found their way into the sector. Moreover, the key driver of growth in the agriculture analytics market is the increasing government initiatives aimed at deploying improved agricultural techniques. The volumes of data generated by the agriculture sector are rising steeply, and the adoption of IoT devices that collect data from connected farm equipment, such as smart tractors and drones, is further adding to the growth momentum of agriculture analytics. This, in turn, leads to noteworthy progress in plant genomics, soil health, livestock management, and the instant development of new technologies using satellite data and analytics.

Agri-Analytics for a Sustainable Future

Being the foundational pillar of economies worldwide, agriculture plays an essential role in meeting the demands of a fast-growing global population. The world’s population will witness a 33 per cent increase by 2025; that is, it will touch 9.7 billion, approximately, as per the United Nations. This brings to the fore the demanding issue of food security, which is dependent on the ability of agriculture to adapt to the changing world. In addition, the sector must also deal with the challenges put forth by climate change, which is likely to have a substantial impact on agricultural production.

Climate Change and Agriculture

Climate change is a significant challenge that threatens the very foundation of agriculture. The erratic weather patterns, extreme temperatures, and changing precipitation levels associated with climate change pose a considerable challenge to crop production. The unpredictability of weather events can result in crop losses, putting food security at risk. Thus, the sector urgently needs to adjust to these changing conditions and reduce their impact. This is where agri-analytics enters the scene as a powerful tool for both understanding and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Data-driven insights can help farmers make informed decisions with respect to crop varieties, ideal planting duration, and irrigation schedules, which in turn can impact crop yields. Analytics tools can help detect early signs of stress in crops, enabling farmers to take proactive measures to mitigate potential damage. By integrating previous climate data and real-time weather information, farmers can plan their operations more competently, lowering the risks linked to extreme weather events.

The Role of Satellite Data in Agriculture

The use of satellite data in agriculture is witnessing an unprecedented increase, and it is set to revolutionize the sector. Through advanced analytics, farmers can use data to gain actionable knowledge about their operations. These understandings entail a wide range of factors, from soil health and pest management to crop quality and yield predictions.

With the advent of predictive analytics, farmers can take a proactive approach to addressing challenges. Subscription-based services offer real-time alerts about crop conditions, enabling farmers to make timely interventions. This level of control over the farming process empowers farmers to optimize their daily tasks, ultimately leading to improved crop yields and resource efficiency.

Challenges in implementing Farm Analytics

While the potential benefits of farm analytics are apparent, there are challenges to overcome. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies needs high initial investments. Moreover, competent farming tools and awareness among farmers are necessary to make the most of these technologies.

The Future of Agri-Analytics

Agri-analytics is set to transform the agricultural landscape in the coming years. It promises to not only enhance productivity but also ensure the sustainability of farming practices. By providing farmers with data-driven insights, it allows them to make informed decisions, adjust to changing conditions, and optimize their operations.

Collaboration between the agricultural sector and technology companies, both established and startups, is key to realizing the full potential of agri-analytics. Through partnerships and investments, the industry can develop solutions that are both accessible and affordable for farmers of all scales.

Conclusion

Agriculture analytics has become an indispensable instrument in dealing with the challenges of food security, climate change, and a growing global population. The fusion of agriculture and analytics empowers farmers with the actionable insights and tools needed to overcome the uncertainties of a changing climate and increasing demand for food. The right investments and partnerships can help agri-analytics revolutionise the agriculture sector. This will facilitate a sustainable and secure food supply for the future.

 By Dr Sat Kumar Tomar, Founder and