The Challenges and Prospects of Introducing Space Based Precision Farming for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity

Paper number

IAC-07-B1.I.14

Author

Prof. U.R. Rao, Physical Research Laboratory, India

Coauthor

Prof. Santhosh K. Seelan, University of North Dakota, United States

Year

2007

Abstract

The growing demand for enhanced food production to meet the requirements of the rapidly increasing world population, has to primarily come from substantial enhancement of agricultural productivity on a sustainable basis, which is only possible through intensive application of knowledge inputs to agriculture.  Satellite imagery is an information source that permits more intelligent decisions. Even though, remote sensing offers excellent information on zoning for precision farming and assessment and control of damage due to pest attack, hail, wind, water and spray drift, the typical farmer, even in the developed countries, is not ready to take full advantage of the technology. While there are several reasons such as cost, a paucity of timely data, lack of knowledge of potential applications, etc, a major stumbling block is the lack of understanding and training on the use of the imagery.

The University of North Dakota has, over the last decade, worked with farmers to introduce the technology in the Upper Midwest States of US where the farm sizes and mechanized farming practices are ideally suited for the use of high and medium resolution satellite imagery. Through a project that provides timely satellite data and trains farmers on the use of geospatial technology, several hundred farmers in the region now make routine use of the satellite imagery in their day to day farming operations. Several case examples show not only an increase in income and productivity, but also reduced environmental impacts by applying chemicals only where and when required.

While the experience has shown the use of imagery for precision farming works well in North America, there are several challenges when trying to apply the technology at farm level in a country like India. While on the one hand very high resolution imagery is available routinely from several Indian Remote Sensing satellites in orbit, the tiny and fragmented farm sizes and varied cropping patterns and farming practices pose some of the challenges. The authors relate their experience in North America and evaluate the potential feasibility of introducing the technology in developing countries like India, where the need for improving agricultural productivity is utmost both for poverty alleviation in rural areas and for ensuring food security to the people.

Abstract document

IAC-07-B1.I.14.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-B1.I.14.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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