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Use of drones is a key component of the Centre’s mission of promoting digital agriculture to strengthen farming sector

Drones are becoming famous in every aspect of life—from social media reels to shipment delivery to traffic monitoring. So how can agriculture stay away? Drones have become a crucial agent for the rapid transformation of the agriculture sector worldwide. And India is no exception to it. The use of drones is a key component of the central government’s mission of promoting digital agriculture to strengthen the farming sector. State governments too are adopting it with vigour as they are experimenting with drones in farming and promoting their use.

Artificial Intelligence enabled drones are used for precision farming that increases productivity and thus farm income. Drones have multi-faceted uses. They make farm operations faster and more efficient. They also help farmers to save significant money by making optimum use of fertilisers and pesticides and by ensuring uniform sowing of seeds. Spraying chemicals is a time-consuming process and it poses a health hazard. Drones can fly at low height (1-3 metre) over the crops, which make the spraying of nutrients and pesticides effective and efficient, as well as allow farmers to assess standing crops through cameras. All this not just facilitates higher productivity but also brings down the expenses on crop inputs.

Farmers in the US, who grew corn, soybean and wheat could save around $1.3 billion every year by incorporating drones in their farm operations. There are reports that drone-led precision farming can reduce input cost by 18-20 per cent while enhancing yield by 30-100 per cent in India. Drones have shown they can be beneficial in planting seeds in the Indo-Gangetic plains, where the rice-wheat cropping system is prevalent.

Farmers can make crop surveillance of the field using infrared cameras and get real-time information about crop growth, infestation, and requirement of inputs. This helps farmers in responding to any problem sooner and take active measures to nip it in the bud. Applications of drones can also be used for mapping water spread areas, pest infestation, and livestock farming besides assisting farmers in adopting good agricultural practices (GAP). Crops can be contamination-free, making them get good export prices.

Government support and encouragement for drones was evident when the Prime Minister of India inaugurated India’s biggest Drone Festival – Bharat Drone Mahotsav in May 2022.

Prime Minister called the use of drones a “milestone” for Indian agriculture and expressed confidence it would create more opportunities. The government of India has extended huge subsidies to different agriculture-related instructors, farmers producers organisations (FPO) and custom hiring centres (CHC) for purchasing and promoting drones under a new scheme of Kisan Drone. These drones are helpful for government agencies also as they can be used for crop assessment of production estimates or to process farm insurance, digitisation of land records, and can expedite claim processing and bring transparency.

Many state governments have shown interest such as the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to procure 200 Kisan Drones, which would solve the problem of labour shortage and health hazards. As excessive rains flooded farms, Karnataka has decided to use drones for crop assessment to bring transparency. Tamil Nadu too has roped in drones as a part of the digital intervention to make agriculture and farming profitable and sustainable.Gujarat, Rajasthan too, have joined the journey of digital revolution.

Drones were used in 2020 to ward off locus attacks, saving millions of hectares of farmland. Farmers are getting first-hand experience in operating drones and their usefulness such as testing the moisture of soil, which is not possible through traditional ways. State governments are confident that drones will be game-changer not only for farmers but for the entire agri economy.

Despite knowing the importance of technology, our agriculture did not adopt it for years. However, we can see a gain in momentum now. Both central and state governments are keen on embracing it. The involvement of agri start-ups, FPOs and CHCs in drone technology will allow farmers especially those financially poor to try new technological solutions. As drones become affordable and easily accessible, more and more farmers will start using them. Moreover, drones can create employment opportunities in rural parts, especially for the tech-savvy youth and bring them back to farms. As they say, artificial intelligence is set to transform the world, drones are going to change the face of farming in the 21st century.

Use of drones is a key component

By Dr Shivendra Bajaj, Executive Director, Federation of Seed Industry of India and Alliance for Agri Innovation

Since the first genetically modified (GM) crops for sale to consumers were sown in the 1990s, farmers across the world have seen their incomes rising due to higher farm productivity and efficiency gains. First adopted in the developed world, in the last few years there has been a consistent increase in the number of hectares being planted with GM crops in developing countries as well.

According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), 53 per cent or 103.1 million hectares (MH) of the total global GM crop area of 191.7 MH, was in developing countries in 2018. In 2016, direct global farm income benefit was $18.2 billion. Over the period of 21 years between 1996 to 2016, farm incomes have increased by $186.1 billion.

Genetically modified crops are plants with their DNA altered to create desired traits, typically by adding one gene from a close wild relative. The genes confer beneficial traits such as pest resistance, ability to grow in unfavorable or extreme conditions, in some cases can have increased nutrient levels also. The three most common traits developed in GMO crops are: resistance to insect damage, tolerance to herbicides and, resistance to plant viruses.

GM crops are safe to grow and consume. This technology is the one of the most regulated technologies in the world. Every review and assessment by the government regulators across the world has confirmed the safety of the GM crops. Several international organizations such as the FAO, WHO and OECD have repeatedly confirmed the safety of the biotech crops and concluded that foods derived from biotechnology is as safe and nutritious as foods derived from other methods such as conventional and organic. Every country tests the safety of these crops in its local condition before providing commercial approval. Therefore, there is multiple year data in multiple countries that confirm the safety of these crops. People around the world have been consuming products of biotech crops for more than 20 years and there is not even a single verified case of any concern on human health. 

Similarly, the Indian regulatory system, which is one of the most stringent regulatory systems in the world, requires the developers to conduct extensive food, feed and environmental safety studies before giving any regulatory approval. The Indian regulatory agency, Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) consists of experts from all relevant organizations to review the biosafety of these crops. It is to be noted that all relevant government departments and ministries such as Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, Agriculture, Health and Family Welfare and independent experts are part of various committees that form the entire regulatory process. 

The advancement of GM crops globally has many lessons for agriculturists, plant biotechnologists, economists and policy makers. Whether it is Latin America, Asia or Africa, farmers planting GM crops have reduced pesticide use, not just by reducing their production costs but ensuring environmental gains. GM crops that are tolerant to herbicides have been helping farmers control weeds without damaging the crops.

Again, there are GM crops which are resistant to specific viruses. One of the very first GM crops introduced in Asia was Bt corn. The Philippine government’s approval of the commercial release of Bt corn in 2002 marked the dawn of GM food/feed crop’s planting in Asia. Initial planting of Bt corn for the first year (2003) covered more than 10,000 hectares. Corn harvests in the Philippines would typically be destroyed by the Asiatic corn borer, a common corn pest in the Philippines. Corn yield levels in the island nation averaged only 2.8 tons per hectare. However, that has now changed. Together with other biotech corn varieties (herbicide tolerant and Bt/HT), the total hectarage in the wet and dry seasons in 2018 in the country was estimated to be 630,000 hectares. The yield advantage of Bt corn was 14-34% more than the conventional corn hybrids.

Closer home, brinjal farmers of Bangladesh have experienced a revival of fortunes with the cultivation of GM crops. In January 2014 Bangladesh was the first country in South Asia to introduce any GM food crop in the region. The genetically modified Bt brinjal was developed by inserting a crystal protein gene (Cry1Ac) from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into the genome of various brinjal cultivars thereby protecting the crop from infestation of Fruit and Shoot Borer (FSB), the deadliest pest for brinjal. Starting with 20 farmers, the Bt brinjal varieties reached 27,012 farmers across the country in 2018, which constituted about 18% of Bangladesh’s estimated 150,000 brinjal growers. At least three more GM crops – late blight resistant potato, Bt cotton and vitamin-A enriched Golden Rice – are in the pipeline for their commercial releases in Bangladesh.

India, itself, has experienced the benefits of GM crops. Since the introduction of Bollgard-I in 2002 in six states — Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu– which was the country’s first GM crop approved for commercialization, followed by Bollgard II, a pest-resistant variety which protects the cotton crop from bollworm, in 2006, there has been a dramatic rise in India’s cotton yield. Cotton production rose from 8.62 million bales (of 170 kg each) in 2002-03 to 34.04 million bales in 2021-22. Between 2002-03 and 2013-14, which was the ‘golden period’ of Bt cotton, yield rose by 167% and production by 316% while area under cotton cultivation expanded by around 39%. In 2013-14, area under Bt cotton cultivation touched 11.03 million hectares, with productivity at 510 kg per hectare as total cotton cultivation peaked to 35.9 million bales.

However, every technology need upgradation. The fallout can be seen in declining farm yields as newer pests like pink bollworm and parasitic weeds emerge across the cotton growing regions. The solution lies in introducing the new herbicide-tolerant Bt (HtBt) cotton, as it allows farmers to spray herbicides to get rid of parasitic weeds in the farm without harming the main crop.

Meanwhile, commercial cultivation of two GM food crops – brinjal and mustard – approved by GEAC are yet to see the light of the day in India even a decade after the approvals.

After over 25 years of GM crop adoption globally, an accumulated acreage of more than 2.5 billion hectares worldwide have been planted with GM crops. From soybean, corn, tomato and cotton, today there are GM variants of canola, sugarbeet, sugarcane, brinjal, alfalfa, potato, papaya and many more, helping raise income for farmers, farm yield and countrywide production levels and ensuring food security for the respective nations.

By Dr Shivendra Bajaj, Executive Director, Federation

Vertical farming has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture says Dr Shivendra Bajaj, Executive Director, Federation of Seed Industry of India and Alliance for Agri Innovation

Globally responsible companies and multilateral organisations are intensely pushing for sustainable means of agriculture as it can help humans to meet their needs without harming the environment. With the unpredictable weather conditions posed by climate change, the pre-existing issues such as pollution, crop failure and depleting natural resources have aggravated. In such a scenario, vertical farming has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture as vertical farming is usually done indoors, it is soil less farming, hence, the risk of contamination through pests is negligible.

Vertical farming is considered the future of farming as it needs less space and the growing system is hydroponics, aeroponics and aquaponics. The major advantage of this farming is that it requires very less land in comparison to conventional agriculture, consumption of water is 80 per cent less, moreover, the water is recycled and saved and most importantly its productivity does not depend on weather conditions.

Vertical farming allows consumers to access fresh vegetables or fruits soon after they are harvested. Moreover, any farm commodity can be grown around the year since vertical farming allows control of environmental conditions. Even exotic farm items can be produced easily. Food traceability is an important factor associated with vertical farming as food safety starts with traceability. Consumers, food processors, and regulators can easily find the source of vegetables and other farm produce. They can even check on the quality of seeds, and crop inputs that are used to grow these vegetables as it will bring transparency to the supply chain.

Another major benefit is that local production especially in the urban setting will help to reduce carbon emissions that are released during transportation as trucks are laced with cooling facilities and more fuel is used for longer distances. Also due to the less distance between farm to table, it reduces agricultural wastage by a big margin.

Major companies like Walmart, McDonald’s are investing in vertical farming to achieve sustainability targets. It allows them to provide fresh and quality products to customers as well as achieve sustainability in the business.

The newest model of farming is bringing a revolution in the agriculture sector and transforming the ways of farm operations and our food habits. Vertical farming holds huge potential for entrepreneurs to bring innovations and create employment opportunities.

Now advanced technology such as smart cameras, artificial intelligence, and sensors are being used in vertical farming. Entrepreneurs must exploit this opportunity since indoor farming will be a major trend due to the demand for safe, fresh and local food.

The government too is encouraging vertical farming and has extended subsidies for setting up vertical farms. Vertical farming ensures a fairly stable crop yield. It is easier to make long term agreements with grocery stores as vertical gardening will stabilise crop income and revenue streams. All this makes vertical farming an ideal start-up platform for scalable growth. This will help create employment opportunities in urban agriculture as well as help protect the environment.

Vertical farming has emerged as a sustainable

Dr Shivendra Bajaj, Executive Director, Federation of Seed Industry of India and Alliance for Agri Innovation

The global wave of consuming ‘superfoods’ has taken Indians in its fold too. People are going back to the old treasures like amla (Indian Gooseberry), pumpkin seeds, berries, which are said to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals. These superfoods have multiple benefits as their consumption helps in weight loss, promotes heart health, control blood pressure, prevent ageing as well as reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Superfood markets are gaining considerable space in the food market due to the rising awareness of leading a naturally healthier lifestyle. People especially the youth are ready to spend significant money on health and nutrition and superfoods can contribute towards achieving that. 

Superfoods are an assorted mix of various crops such as leafy vegetables, grains and cereals, berries, seeds, and seafood and dairy products, which have showcased several health benefits including reducing the chances of cancers. It is modern consciousness that has been the driving force for the consumption of superfoods. But it saw exponential growth during the Covid-19 pandemic when healthy home-cooked eating took the centre stage and strengthened the impression that superfoods have huge potential to keep infections away. Avocado, kiwi, blueberries and cranberries, oats, kale, chia seeds, are some of the famous global superfoods. Indian contribution to the international superfoods has been identified such as moringa, Jamun (Indian blackberry) amlaashwagandha (winter cherry), buckwheat, flax seeds, forest honey, millets like ragi among others. The list is growing as different superfoods are seen as a solution to address different deficiencies and health problems. 

The global superfoods market size in 2020 was USD 172 billion and it is expected to reach USD 287 billion by 2027. In India too, the market is growing and it is expected to see a growth of 6 per cent during 2021-26. Superfoods have become a lucrative market due to their demand and profit margin, which is three to four times higher when compared to other foods. Global brands, supermarkets, cafes, fitness clubs are bringing innovations in the use of superfoods in their products such as daily nutrition mixes, sports nutrition supplements, smoothie mixes, meal replacement drinks, nutraceuticals, daily protein. Turmeric latte is one such example.    

Internationally famous superfoods like quinoa and chia are actually from Peru and Bolivia but they have found takers in urban areas in India. Farmers in Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are earning big money by cultivating these superfoods. Quinoa has been adopted into Indian cuisine and is being used in various snacks such as idlipayasampoha, and even in protein bars, cookies and beer. 

Indian millets too are identified as superfoods and are set to get global recognition. The Government of India is encouraging the cultivation of millets that can help secure dietary, nutritional and economic security. Millets are rich sources of minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, besides containing appreciable amounts of dietary fibre and vitamins. Millet production in India had declined over time due to changes in consumption patterns and replacement by wheat and rice. Farmers in India can easily switch back to millets. 

The Indian government has asked corporates to brand and promote Indian millets. These superfoods can ensure higher income for farmers through exports. Similarly, another local superfood moringa has risen to fame for being rich in calcium and is in great demand worldwide. Moringa is traditionally used in the South Indian dish Sambhar but has been adopted in Indian drinks. The superfood market is still underrated in India but there is going to be sharp growth due to the growing awareness about healthy food and new trends of switching to veganism and vegetarianism. Indian farmers can make farming a profitable business through superfoods cultivation as most of them need low inputs, less water and withstand harsh weather conditions. 

Dr Shivendra Bajaj, Executive Director, Federation of