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HomePosts Tagged "precision agriculture"
Agribusiness, Farm Mechanisation, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

With the support of new technologies such as electric tractors (e-tractors), precision agriculture and custom hiring the farm mechanisation industry is moving towards transformation from traditional tractor production to sustainable and customer-centric tractors by 2030. Let’s explore further.

Farm productivity has been adversely hit by a ceaseless migration of rural population to cities for ‘better prospects’ in the recent past, more so than ever before. This has triggered a significant growth in the market for farm machinery, especially tractors and harvesting equipment, to boost productivity. In 2023, the agricultural machinery market in India was valued at Rs 1.13 trillion and is expected to reach Rs 1.66 trillion by FY2029, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.69 per cent during the 2024 – 2029 period.  Government initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and subsidies for agricultural machinery purchases, are also encouraging farmers to adopt advanced technologies, further fuelling the growth of India’s agricultural machinery market. Business models such as custom hiring and tractor ownership have been started to increase the deployment of farm machinery across the country. Startups are supporting farmers through the Farming-as-a-Service (FAAS) model.  With the support of new technologies such as electric tractors (e-tractors), precision agriculture and custom hiring the farm mechanisation industry is moving towards transformation from traditional tractor production to sustainable and customer-centric tractors by 2030. Let’s explore further.

The role of modern agricultural machines is very crucial as they help in increasing agriculture production and productivity, improving the utilisation efficiency of costlier inputs such as seeds, fertilisers and irrigation water, besides the traditional use of humans and animals in farming. However, the adoption of mechanisation by the farmers of various states depends on varying factors such as socio-economic conditions, geographical conditions, crops grown, irrigation facilities etc.

Out of the multiple strategic interventions required to spur sustainable agricultural growth and achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat, improving the level of farm mechanisation seems to hold tremendous potential. The overall farm mechanisation level in India stands at 47 per cent which is still below the level of developing countries like Brazil and China where it is around 70 per cent. Farm mechanisation is even more important in India where 82 per cent of farmers belong to the small and marginal categories and half of the arable land is under the rainfed category. In these conditions, it becomes imperative for farmers to ensure the completion of activities on time. Multiple evidence suggests that the average yield in agriculture has a direct correlation with farm mechanisation.

According to the PwC report ‘Farm Mechanisation: A Catalyst for Sustainable Agricultural Growth’ published in February 2024, “Globally, the Asia-Pacific region holds the highest share (43 per cent) in the global farm machinery market. Among different kinds of farm machinery, tractors are used the most, having a share of almost 55 per cent. In India, of all farming equipment used by farmers, tractors make up 80 per cent of the total share. Due to the inclination towards increased tractor use in the country, the Indian agricultural sector is said to be ‘tractorised’. At present, the farm power availability in India is at 2.49 kW/ha. The Government of India has thus set an ambitious target of raising the farm power availability in the country to 4.0 kW/ha by 2030.

In India itself, the average farm power availability varies greatly across different states – i.e. 5–6 kW/ha in Punjab and Haryana 0.2 kW/ha in the north-eastern regions. This discrepancy is one of the major reasons for the uneven development of agriculture in India. It is also important to note that the farm mechanisation level varies according to the types of crops as well – cereal crops like wheat and rice stand at about 50–60 per cent mechanisation, whereas horticulture crops have a much lower level of mechanisation. However, at the same time, farm power availability has increased tremendously in India during the recent decades, helping India to become one of the major net exporters of tractors in the world.

The government is keen to promote mechanisation with the specific aim of increasing the reach of farm mechanisation to small and marginal farmers and to the regions where the availability of farm power is low and promoting ‘Custom Hiring Centres’ to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to small land holding and high cost of individual ownership of agricultural machines. A Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation’ (SMAM) was implemented in all the States and Union Territories from 2014-15 including the state of Uttar Pradesh. Under this scheme, financial assistance @ 40 – 50 per cent of the cost of machines depending on the categories of farmers is provided for the purchase of agricultural machines. Financial assistance @ 40 per cent of the project cost is also provided to rural entrepreneurs, (rural youth and farmers as an entrepreneur), Cooperative Societies of Farmers (CSFs), Registered Farmers Societies (RFSs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Panchayats for the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) and Hi-tech hubs of high-value agricultural machines. Financial assistance @ 80 per cent of the project cost for projects costing up to Rs 30 lakh are provided to the CSFs, RFSs, FPOs, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Panchayats for setting up of village level Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs). The scheme promotes almost all agricultural machines and equipment for crop production and post-production activities.

Between 2014-15 and March 2024, Rs 7265 crore were allocated for agricultural mechanisation.18,16,221 machines and various other equipment have been provided to farmers on subsidy. 25,527 CHCs, 594 high-tech hubs and 23,538 FMBs have been established to make available agricultural machines and equipment to the farmers on a rental basis. During 2024-25, Rs 69.99 crore was released to the States.

Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs)

Making various farm machinery/equipment for small and marginal farmers at an affordable rent is one of the main objectives of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs). It also helps in offsetting adverse economies of scale due to the high cost of individual ownership. CHC improves mechanisation in places with low farm power availability. It mainly provides hiring services for various agricultural machinery/implements applied for different operations. CHC helps to expand mechanised activities during cropping seasons in large areas, especially in small and marginal holdings. It also provides hiring services for various high-value crop-specific machines applied for different operations.

The farm power availability for small/marginal land holdings is the lowest. As the small/marginal holdings constitute 85 per cent of total land holdings, the potential for CHC which will cater to the farm machinery requirement of such a vast area, is quite huge. Keeping in view the emphasis on agricultural farm machinery and the need for taking the farm machinery within the reach of small/marginal farmers, institutional credit needs to be made available for CHCs. Generally, FPOs have a base of more than 500 members, readily potential customers for the CHC. Further, CHC’s services can be made available to non-members to increase its viability.

India’s agriculture sector is vast but fragmented, with a significant portion of the country’s farmers holding small lands. For the small and marginal farmers, investing in modern equipment and advanced agricultural practices has traditionally been very expensive and also limited their productivity. FaaS addresses this challenge head-on by democratising access to these resources. Through affordable and scalable solutions, farmers can use technology to improve their yields, reduce input costs, and ultimately increase their profitability.

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

With the support of new technologies such

Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Drones, India, IT, Opinions

 By Dr Sat Kumar Tomer, Founder & CEO, Satyukt Analytics

By tackling current challenges and harnessing new-age technologies, India will emerge as the world leader in agritech in 2025, driving a resilient and thriving agricultural future.

India’s agriculture, which is the backbone of the entire economy, is undergoing a major change, which includes the use of advanced technologies. If 2024 taught us one thing in agri-tech, it was that the industry is heading toward a major path of transformation. This year saw major activity in terms of expansion – mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and new techs like generative AI, precision farming, drones, predictive analysis, and many more.

But we’ve still got some major hurdles ahead. According to the FAO, global and national food production will have to increase by 60 per cent to keep pace with the growing population by 2050. In simple terms, a common farming method will not be enough.

On the positive side, sustainable practices and next-gen technologies are gaining momentum. As we enter 2025, the industry promises to redefine the way it grows, manages, and consumes food.

Agritech in 2024

In 2024, India witnessed a surge in agritech solutions aimed at empowering farmers and enhancing productivity. Key technologies that gained momentum include:

Precision Agriculture– These included IoT devices, GPS, and drones to enhance the use of resources, especially in terms of healthy soil, water demands as well as crop status.

Farm Management Software (FMS)- Farmers found information from digital platforms valuable because it helped them make good decisions and it included information about the market and weather among others.

Vertical and Hydroponic Farming– Farm production in urban areas got a boost with the use of hydroponic systems thus creating opportunities for year-round farming without necessarily using a lot of water. 

Agri-Fintech Solutions– Financial environment emerged as important, while digital lending technologies and insurance products decreased risks for farmers.

Blockchain for Traceability– Creating transparency in the supply chain, due to the application of block chain technology, the consumers were able to track their meals from production right to their plate.

Emerging Trends in 2025

Building on the advancements of 2024, the agritech industry in 2025 is expected to witness the following trends:

AI-Driven Crop Management- AI and machine learning are emerging and finding their way into the centre as tools for the prediction of pests, yields, and early detection of crop diseases.

Climate-Resilient Farming– Due to the rising climate changes, these new agritech startups are concentrating to come up with drought-tolerant seeds, better reports and forecasts on the weather, and parametric insurance to safeguard farmers from harsh political production conditions.

Robotics in Agriculture– Hired helpers, self-propelled tractors, robotic harvesters, and intelligent watering systems are redefining labour–driven processes in farming.

Carbon Farming Initiatives– New social initiatives like approving carbon credit markets, which pay farmers for practicing sustainable methods that decrease greenhouse gas production are good steps.

Using Digital Twins to Optimise Field Trials – A digital copy of a farm—a “twin” that replicates the real conditions of the soil, crops, and even the weather. Agriculture is likely to see an increased use of digital twins in 2025; it will allow farmers to experiment and fine-tune their approaches in a simulated setting before applying them to the actual field.

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

 By Dr Sat Kumar Tomer, Founder &

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, India, R&D

The facility is designed to conduct pot experiments and advanced trials using soilless media, including hydroponics and cocopeat systems.

Coromandel International Limited, India’s leading agri solutions provider, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Hi-Tech Polyhouse at its Research & Development (R&D) Farm in Shamirpet, Siddipet district, Telangana, further advancing its leadership in precision agriculture and new product development. This new facility strengthens Coromandel’s commitment to advancing precision agriculture and accelerating innovation in new product development.

The inauguration event was presided over by S Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director and CEO, and was graced by the presence of senior leadership team Amir Alvi, Chief Operating Officer, Amit Rastogi, EVP and Chief Technology Officer, Madhab Adhikari, VP & Head of Sales and Marketing, Babu G, VP and Head Retail Business.

The event also saw the participation of dignitaries from the Department of Horticulture, including Venkat Ramireddy, former Commissioner of Horticulture, Suvarna Devi, Deputy Director of Horticulture, emphasising the significance of this initiative in fostering agricultural innovation. Their participation highlights the growing collaboration between Coromandel International and government bodies in fostering agricultural innovation for the benefit of farmers.

The newly inaugurated Hi-Tech Polyhouse is equipped with the latest technology, enabling Coromandel to conduct advanced field trials of its innovative range of agri-inputs and solutions. The facility is designed to conduct pot experiments and advanced trials using soilless media, including hydroponics and cocopeat systems. These trials will be focused on the precise calibration of nutrients, making the polyhouse a critical testing ground for breakthrough products such as nano fertilizers, biostimulants, liquid fertilizers, slow and controlled release fertilizers, customized and coated fertilizers, plant growth regulators (PGRs), etc.

Over 100 high-net-worth (HNI) farmers and channel partners attended the event, gaining firsthand experience of the polyhouse’s advanced capabilities, live demonstrations of hydroponics, cocoponics, and advanced crop diagnostic tools such as Green Seeker, SPAD meter, K-meter and Refractometer.

Adding to the momentum of innovation, the event also included discussions on the latest advancements in autonomous robotic farm machinery developed by X Machines, a company in which Coromandel has recently made a strategic investment. Attendees observed live demonstrations of this cutting-edge technology and gained valuable insights into how autonomous machinery is transforming the future of agriculture. The use of robotics aims to increase farm efficiency and reduce labour dependency, highlighting Coromandel’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into farming practices.

 S Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director and CEO, Coromandel International Limited emphasized Coromandel’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, stating, “We are dedicated to serving the farming community to the fullest extent. With our farmer-first approach, our goal is to provide high-quality inputs and services that enhance the livelihoods of farmers and drive sustainable growth in the sector. The launch of the Hi-Tech Polyhouse underscores Coromandel’s vision for the future of agriculture. We are focused on driving innovation in every aspect of farming from the development of high-efficiency products to incorporating smart technologies that will revolutionize field operations and reduce environmental impact.”

The facility is designed to conduct pot

Agrotech, Drones, Opinions

By Rishabh Choudhary, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, BharatRohan Airborne Innovations 

To sustainably boost the country’s economic prowess, agriculture in India is undergoing a profound transformation, and at the heart of this revolution is hyperspectral technology. Hyperspectral imaging has rapidly become an indispensable tool for modern farming, offering a powerful and precise means to harness data beyond the visible spectrum. This extraordinary capability allows farmers to make data-driven decisions, contributing to sustainable and effective agricultural practices. In this article, we explore the various ways in which hyperspectral technology is reshaping agriculture and promoting sustainability.

Traditional farming methods often rely on the human eye to evaluate crop health, quality, and environmental conditions. However, hyperspectral imaging extends our perception by capturing data across hundreds of narrow, contiguous spectral bands that go beyond the limits of human vision. Here we explore the implications of this technology in agriculture:

Visible Data Range (400 to 700 nanometers): While hyperspectral sensors encompass wavelengths beyond human vision, they also excel in capturing data within the visible spectrum with unparalleled precision. This data range is invaluable for assessing crop health, quality, and more. It detects subtle variations in colour and pigmentation, serving as an indicator of crop stress, disease, or nutrient deficiencies.

Data Analytics: Hyperspectral data is processed using advanced analytics and machine learning, generating actionable insights that guide data-driven decisions in crop management. These insights include the ability to pinpoint specific irregularities in crop health, detect patterns related to nutrient deficiencies, and track the progression of diseases in plants.

Enhancing Crop Quality: With hyperspectral imagery-based decision support system, farmers can assess the quality of their crops more accurately. This is particularly significant for high-value crops like fruits and vegetables, where appearance and quality are crucial for market success. Hyperspectral imaging can analyse the spectral signature of produce, helping farmers evaluate factors such as sugar content, ripeness, and the presence of blemishes or diseases.

Optimising Resource Use: By monitoring fields throughout the crop cycle, hyperspectral imaging contributes to the efficient use of resources, such as water and irrigation. Farmers can make data-driven decisions about when and how much to irrigate, thereby promoting water conservation. Hyperspectral data enables precise assessments of soil moisture levels and plant stress, allowing for irrigation schedules responsive to crop needs.

Nutrient Management: By analysing the spectral signatures of crops, hyperspectral technology evaluates plant nutrient levels. This data empowers farmers to precisely apply fertilisers and soil supplements where necessary, minimising excess use and its environmental impact. Additionally, hyperspectral imaging can identify nutrient deficiencies by scrutinising the plant’s spectral reflectance.

Supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Hyperspectral technology supports IPM practices by offering insights into the presence of pests and their impact on crops. This information allows farmers to implement targeted pest control strategies, reducing the reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides and minimising ecological harm. Hyperspectral imaging can even detect early signs of pest infestations through alterations in the spectral signature of crops.

Precision Agriculture: Hyperspectral imaging provides precise information about crop health and nutrient levels. With this data, farmers can apply fertilisers and other inputs only where and when needed, minimising wastage and environmental impact while maximising crop yields. It supports variable rate application, enabling farmers to adjust the application of fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides based on the specific conditions in different field areas.

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

By Rishabh Choudhary, Co-Founder & Chief

Agrotech, Company News, North America, Sustainability, Water

The Ceres Imaging technology will populate high-resolution images in Lindsay’s FieldNET® platform, which enhances growers’ ability to remotely monitor, control

Lindsay Corporation, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, today announced a strategic partnership with Ceres Imaging, an Oakland, Cali, provider of high-resolution imagery analytics with support for precision agriculture.

The Ceres Imaging technology will populate high-resolution images in Lindsay’s industry leading FieldNET® platform, which enhances growers’ ability to remotely monitor, control, analyse and apply irrigation recommendations. The addition of Ceres’ imagery and access to its analytics platform will allow growers to monitor and adjust operations based on key indicators of crop performance such as emergence, canopy density, soil composition, water stress and nitrogen content. These indicators will provide valuable insights into crop health in alignment with Lindsay’s smart pivot innovation roadmap and enhance the ability of growers to choose solutions uniquely tailored to their needs.

The data connection between the FieldNET and Ceres Imaging platforms will be two-way, with Ceres imagery provided and shown in the FieldNET platform. In-depth analytics and recommendations, powered by FieldNET data, will also be accessible within the Ceres Imaging platform. Sharing encrypted data with permission of the grower allows the two platforms to work more efficiently and provide custom recommendations for optimal yield while supporting growers’ sustainable farming practices.

“Lindsay is committed to providing the latest technology to growers to help scale their organisation and maximise yields,” said Gustavo Oberto, President of Global Irrigation at Lindsay. “The Ceres Imaging offering is a natural addition to the toolkit we provide growers. We are excited about the work Ceres Imaging is doing with high-resolution thermal imaging and analytics today, especially as it pertains to precision irrigation, and the value this partnership will continue to create for our mutual customers. We know that no two fields, no two operations, no two crops are the same, so we are excited to provide our customers this choice among a suite of imaging options compatible with current and future irrigation innovations”

Ashwin Madgavkar, founder of Ceres Imaging, agreed. “Our passion for agriculture and helping growers maximise their potential is at the root of what we do at Ceres. We see that same passion and drive to create innovative solutions and analytics in Lindsay’s product lineup. We’re excited to partner with them and look forward to continued innovation.”

The Ceres Imaging technology will populate high-resolution

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, IT, R&D, World

The domain experts made a presentation before the Indian delegation on various areas of advanced agricultural research, precision agriculture, remote sensing and post-harvest technology

An Indian delegation led by Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar visited Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute of Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The domain experts made a presentation before the Indian delegation on various areas of advanced agricultural research, precision agriculture, remote sensing and post-harvest technology. Discussions with the Indian delegation on potential areas of agriculture development were also held during the visit.

The demonstration on the application of Drone technology- advanced techniques and interventions in agriculture operation were also shown to the Indian delegation during their visit by ALTA Precision Agriculture at Ganei Khna’an. At the end of the day, the minister visited Desert Farm at Be’er Milka, owned by an Indian origin farmer growing Indian vegetables in Negev desert area.

The domain experts made a presentation before