India's agriculture sector employing 50% of the workforce, contributes 18% to GDP. Major crops include rice, wheat, pulses and cotton. Government initiatives like PM Kisan and crop insurance schemes support farmers amidst challenges like water scarcity and climate change. Here are ways to improve agRead more
India’s agriculture sector employing 50% of the workforce, contributes 18% to GDP. Major crops include rice, wheat, pulses and cotton. Government initiatives like PM Kisan and crop insurance schemes support farmers amidst challenges like water scarcity and climate change.
Here are ways to improve agriculture with developing technologies –
- Precision farming optimizes crop yields and resources using technology including GPS, drones, sensors and data analytics enabling targeted irrigation, fertilization and pest control for increased efficiency.
- Digital agriculture leverages technology such as mobile apps, satellite imaging and data analytics to enhance decision making, streamline operations and boost productivity through real tme monitoring and expert insights.
- Sustainable agriculture practices prioritize environmental stewardship, conserving resources and promoting eco friendly methods including organic farming, crop rotation, rainwater harvesting,and integrated pest management, ensuring long term viability.
- Genetics and biotechnology enhance agriculture through precision breeding, genetic engineering and gene editing (CRISPR), developing disease resistant, climate tolerant and nutrient rich crops, boosting yields and food security.
- Education and supportive technologies empower farmers through digital platforms, mobile apps, online training and expert advisory services enhancing knowledge, skills and decision making for improved productivity and profitability.
- Mechanization and automation in agriculture boost efficiency through autonomous tractors, drones, robotic farming and precision equipment reducing labor costs, enhancing accuracy and increasing yields despite reduced workforce.
See less
Climate change significantly impacts Agrifood systems, affecting everything from crop yields to livestock productivity. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events can lead to heat stress in plants and animals, soil erosion, and increased pests and diseases. Droughts reduce wRead more
Climate change significantly impacts Agrifood systems, affecting everything from crop yields to livestock productivity. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events can lead to heat stress in plants and animals, soil erosion, and increased pests and diseases. Droughts reduce water availability for irrigation, while melting glaciers impact regions relying on glacier-fed water sources. These changes threaten food production, making it harder for people to access nutritious food.
To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) and ensure food security despite these challenges, countries can adopt several strategies. Developing climate-resilient crops that withstand extreme weather, promoting sustainable farming practices like conservation agriculture, and implementing efficient water management systems such as rainwater harvesting are crucial steps. These measures help stabilize food production and protect the environment.
For example, consider a farmer named Rani who grows rice. Due to climate change, the monsoon rains have become unpredictable, sometimes causing floods that destroy her crops, and other times leading to droughts. By planting drought-resistant rice varieties and collecting rainwater during the monsoon, Rani can still produce food despite these challenges. She also uses conservation agriculture practices to keep her soil healthy, ensuring her farm remains productive.
Additionally, early warning systems for weather forecasting and crop insurance can help farmers like Rani prepare for and recover from climate-related events. Government initiatives and international cooperation are essential to support sustainable agriculture, providing necessary resources and training to farmers. By adopting these strategies, countries can work towards ending hunger and achieving food security in a changing climate, ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
See less