Precision and Organic Farming | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• Low productivity 
• Uneconomic landholding sizes
• Sub-optimal input use efficiency 
• High biotic losses 
• Low levels of mechanisation

Given issues like climate change, natural resource depletion, and a potential food crisis, India needs to transition from aggressive farming practices to precision farming. 
The global precision farming market is projected to reach US$ 14.6 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of approximately 8%. Although still in its early stages in India, precision farming has the potential to enhance farm productivity and profitability, helping the country become a leading agricultural producer worldwide. 

Precision Farming

• Precision farming is an advanced approach to agriculture where inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides are used in precise amounts to increase average yields compared to traditional methods.
• It involves the use of high-tech sensors and analysis tools to monitor various parameters related to crop growth, such as soil moisture and pH levels.
• The data collected is used for targeted interventions, ensuring that the right action is taken at the right place and time, catering to the specific needs of individual crops and areas of land.
• By improving the efficiency of inputs through precise interventions, precision farming aims to boost yields significantly.
• This approach is being adopted globally to enhance production, reduce labor time, and manage fertilizers and irrigation more effectively.
• Precision farming relies on a vast amount of data to optimize the use of agricultural resources, improve yields, and enhance the quality of crops.

Technologies Used in Precision Farming

• Global Positioning System (GPS): GPS technology is utilized to pinpoint the location of farm equipment within the field. It offers an accurate positioning system crucial for implementing variable rate technology in agricultural input management. The integration of the internet facilitates efficient remote sensing-based agricultural management.
• Grid Sampling: This technique involves dividing fields into smaller units, typically ranging from 0.5 to 5 hectares. Soil samples are collected from these grids to determine appropriate application rates for crop inputs. Each grid comprises multiple samples that are combined and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• Variable-Rate Technology (VRT): VRT encompasses farm field equipment capable of precisely controlling the rate of application for various crop inputs, including fertilizers, irrigation, tillage, and pest control. This technology allows for tailored application rates based on specific field conditions.
• Yield Monitors: Yield monitors are tools installed on harvesting machinery to measure crop yields. By combining yield data with positioning information from GPS devices, yield maps are created using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. These maps assist in making informed decisions regarding targeted interventions.
• Remote Sensors: Remote sensing in agriculture involves capturing images of crops from above, using satellites, low-flying aircraft, or drones, without direct contact. This technique aids in identifying field problems by providing detailed aerial or satellite imagery. Remote sensors can be classified into aerial and satellite sensors, depending on their deployment method.
• Proximate Sensors: Proximate sensors are employed to measure soil parameters such as nitrogen content and pH levels, as well as crop characteristics, while the tractor traverses the field. This real-time data collection contributes to precision farming efforts.
• Computer Hardware and Software: Computers play a vital role in analyzing data collected by various components of precision farming technology. The processed data is presented in accessible formats such as maps, graphs, charts, or reports, facilitating informed decision-making by farmers.

Benefits of Precision Farming

• Increased Agricultural Productivity: Precision farming, through the scientific analysis of data captured by sensors, ensures the accurate application of agricultural inputs like fertilizers and water. This targeted approach enhances agricultural output and promotes higher yields.
• Reduction of Chemical Application: Precision farming determines the exact amount of inputs needed based on specific requirements. Fertilizers are applied only where certain nutrients are lacking, and weedicides are used only in areas with weeds. Drones can facilitate targeted delivery of chemicals, reducing unnecessary usage and minimizing waste.
• Prevention of Soil Degradation: By avoiding the overuse of chemicals, precision farming prevents the leaching of harmful substances into the soil. This practice helps maintain soil health and prevents the adverse impact of unwanted chemicals.
• Efficient Use of Water Resources: Techniques like fertigation, which involves the direct application of fertilizer through the irrigation system, enable targeted delivery of water and reduce overall water usage.
• Improvement in Farm Incomes: The increase in productivity, along with the reduction in input usage and waste, contributes to higher farm incomes. This, in turn, helps improve the socio-economic conditions of farmers. 
• Job Creation: Precision farming has the potential to create numerous employment opportunities, such as operating drones, which requires specialized skills. Rural youth can be trained and employed as certified drone operators. These new technologies are estimated to create significant job opportunities in rural areas. Additionally, precision farming promotes the dissemination of modern, sustainable, and climate-friendly agricultural practices.

Challenges in Precision Farming

• High Cost: Precision farming relies on advanced technologies such as GPS, drones, and sensors, which are expensive and require significant upfront investment. Small and marginal farmers may find it challenging to afford these costs.
• Lack of Technical Expertise: Implementing and utilizing these technologies, as well as interpreting the data they produce, requires a high level of knowledge and skill that may be lacking in some farming communities.
• Not Viable for Small Land Holdings: The high investment needed for precision farming makes it unsuitable for small landholdings. Additionally, many of the necessary sensors are integrated into farm machinery like tractors, which are more commonly used in large-scale farming operations. Precision farming is better suited for mechanized farming, which is typically only feasible on larger farms.
• Cybersecurity Threats: The technology used in precision farming also poses cybersecurity risks. Adversaries, including extremists and terrorist groups, may target farming machinery to disrupt food production. For instance, in 2021, a ransomware attack affected about 20% of beef processing plants in the U.S., highlighting the potential vulnerabilities in agricultural technology.

Steps Taken to Promote Technology in Agriculture in India

• Digital Agriculture Mission 2021–2025: This initiative aims to utilize various technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and drone technology to enhance the overall performance of the agriculture sector.
• AI Sowing App by ICRISAT and Microsoft: The International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is collaborating with Microsoft to develop an AI-powered Sowing App. This app provides farmers with sowing advisories, helping them determine the optimal date for planting to ensure better yields.
• Crop Yield Prediction Model: NITI Aayog partnered with IBM to create an AI-based crop yield prediction model. This model aims to offer real-time advice to farmers, improve crop productivity, enhance soil yield, and optimize agricultural inputs to increase farmers' income. It includes monitoring systems for pests and diseases and provides weather advisories using satellite data.
• AI Sensors for Smart Farming: The Government of India, in collaboration with Microsoft, is working to empower smallholder farmers with AI sensors to boost crop yields and price control. This initiative involves creating an ecosystem for integrating AI into farming practices.
• Drone Technology for Crop and Soil Health Monitoring: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is leading a project called "SENSAGRI: Sensor-based Smart Agriculture," aimed at developing indigenous drone-based systems for monitoring crop and soil health using remote sensors. This technology could be combined with satellite data for broader applications in agriculture.

What Should Be the Approach Going Ahead?

• Promotion of Precision Farming: Precision farming can be encouraged for specific progressive farmers who have the capacity to bear risks, as this technology may require significant capital investment. Agricultural research institutes can offer technical support to farmers in developing precision farming models, and the insights gained can be used to replicate these models on a larger scale.
• Current Viability: Given the present state of agriculture in India, precision farming is not immediately feasible. In the interim, the government can promote judicious water-use practices and encourage the adoption of micro-level irrigation systems and water-saving techniques among farmers.

Conclusion

The primary goal of precision agriculture is to achieve maximum yields with minimal inputs while reducing environmental impact. A well-prepared roadmap in this area would benefit India by increasing farmers' incomes, ensuring sufficient food production for the growing population, and meeting commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

What is Organic Farming? 

•  Organic farming, also known as ecological or biological farming, is an agricultural method that uses organic fertilizers such as compost manure, green manure, and bone meal. 
•  It focuses on practices like crop rotation and companion planting. 
•  This approach relies on biological pesticides and fertilizers made from plant or animal waste, aiming to produce high-quality, nutritious food without chemicals. 
•  The main goal is to create a sustainable system that conserves energy, soil, and water resources while promoting environmental health. 

 Organic farming emerged in response to the environmental harm caused by chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. It represents a new way of farming that seeks to enhance, maintain, and restore ecological balance. 

•  Organic standards allow the use of naturally occurring substances while restricting or banning synthetic ones. For example, naturally derived pesticides like pyrethrin are permitted, while synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are generally prohibited. Some synthetic substances, such as copper sulphate, elemental sulphur, and Ivermectin, are allowed. 
•  Practices that are not allowed in organic farming include the use of genetically modified organisms, nanomaterials, human sewage sludge, plant growth regulators, hormones, and antibiotics in livestock production. 
•  Supporters of organic farming highlight its many benefits, including sustainability, transparency, self-sufficiency, autonomy, health, food security, and food safety.

Need of Organic Farming

• Rising Global Population: There is an urgent need to not just stabilize but also sustainably increase agricultural production as the global population continues to grow. 
• Limitations of the Green Revolution: The Green Revolution, which focused on intensive agricultural inputs, has reached its limits and is showing diminishing returns. This highlights the necessity of maintaining a natural balance for the survival of life and property. 
• Declining Relevance of Agrochemicals: Agrochemicals, mainly derived from finite fossil fuel resources, are becoming less relevant in an era of resource scarcity. This situation emphasizes the need to explore alternative approaches to agricultural sustainability. 
• Future Challenges: Continued reliance on non-renewable resources like fossil fuels for agrochemicals could pose future challenges, including potential impacts on foreign exchange. This reality further underscores the importance of organic farming and sustainable practices. 

Features of Organic Farming

• Soil Fertility: Organic farming focuses on maintaining long-term soil fertility by ensuring optimal levels of organic matter, promoting soil biological activity, and being cautious with mechanical interventions. 
• Indirect Crop Nutrition: This involves using relatively insoluble nutrient sources that soil microorganisms can convert into forms accessible to plants, ensuring proper nutrition without synthetic fertilizers. 
• Nitrogen Self-Sufficiency: Organic farmers aim for nitrogen self-sufficiency by cultivating legumes, harnessing biological nitrogen fixation, and efficiently recycling organic materials like crop residues and livestock manures. 
• Weed, Disease, and Pest Management:. combination of strategies is used, including crop rotations, fostering natural predators, promoting biodiversity, organic manuring, using resistant crop varieties, and minimizing reliance on thermal, biological, and chemical interventions. 
• Livestock Management: Comprehensive management of livestock considers their evolutionary adaptations, behavioral requirements, and welfare concerns. This includes aspects like nutrition, housing, healthcare, breeding, and upbringing. 
• Environmental Impact: Organic farming systems pay careful attention to their broader environmental impact, focusing on conserving wildlife and preserving natural habitats, ensuring a harmonious relationship with the ecosystem. 

Components of Organic Farming

• Crop Rotation involves changing the types of crops grown in a specific field from season to season, usually following a regular pattern over two years or more. This practice is crucial for sustainable agriculture and is often integrated with mixed cropping, pasture, and livestock systems. 

Crop Rotation has several benefits compared to monoculture: 

•  It reduces pest and weed problems and lowers chemical contamination by varying the crops, making it harder for pests and weeds to thrive. 
•  It prevents soil erosion by using different root systems. 
•  It improves soil fertility by promoting nutrient release from a variety of plants, decreasing the need for synthetic fertilizers, which are not allowed in organic farming. 
•  It can lead to higher yields while reducing overall production costs. 

Cover Cropping involves planting various species of plants either seasonally or perennially, either partially or fully covering the field between rows of crops. Cover crops are beneficial for soil health because they: 

•  Reduce erosion 
•  Improve water filtration and aeration 
•  Suppress weed growth by outcompeting undesirable plants. 

Green Manure is the practice of incorporating plants into the soil to enrich it with organic matter, especially nitrogen. This practice enhances soil quality, increases moisture retention, and provides nutrients for soil microorganisms. Additionally, green manure helps in reducing weed infestations. 

Animal Manure adds natural nutrients to the soil, either in raw or composted form, excluding slaughter by-products. Strict guidelines must be followed when using animal manure, including: 

•  Ensuring no synthetic additives are present 
•  Conducting soil tests before application 
•  Adhering to application deadlines before harvest. 
•  Composted manure is preferred due to its reduced bulk and lower risk of pathogens and contaminants. 

Integrated Weed Management in organic farming uses various methods to control weeds without harsh chemicals. These methods include: 

•  Preventing weed spread through machinery, animals, and irrigation water 
•  Manual weeding 
•  Crop rotation 
•  Mulching 
•  Using natural weed-suppressing chemicals 
•  Timing haymaking to prevent weed seed spread 
•  Introducing birds or insects that eat weed seeds. 

Integrated Pest Management in organic farming aims to control pests while minimizing harm to the ecosystem. This approach includes: 

•  Prevention and construction of natural barriers 
•  Physical removal of pests 
•  Introducing biological enemies such as natural predators. 
•  Approved mild pesticides are used sparingly, with a preference for natural repellents like soap, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, sulphur, neem, citronella, and lavender oil. 
• Livestock Management in organic agriculture prohibits harmful additives such as synthetic medications, growth-promoting drugs, hormones, antibiotics, non-organic forage, GMOs, and clones. Livestock must be raised in conditions that allow natural behavior both indoors and outdoors, ensuring their welfare and compliance with organic farming standards.

Concepts of Organic Farming

• Organic farming is deeply rooted in India’s agricultural history, where it has been practiced for centuries as a traditional method of cultivation. This approach to farming is not a recent development but rather a time-honored way of nurturing the land and producing food. 
• Organic farming involves specific strategies for controlling pests and diseases in both crops and livestock without resorting to synthetic chemicals or genetic engineering. Farmers rely on natural methods and materials to ensure the health and safety of their produce. 
• Across India’s diverse climates, various forms of organic farming are practiced, often incorporating forest produce as a fundamental aspect. This diversity reflects the adaptability and resilience of organic farming methods to different environmental conditions. 
•  In recent years, organic farming has gained popularity alongside other agricultural systems due to its positive impact on the environment. This resurgence is also linked to the labor-intensive nature of organic farming, which creates more employment opportunities in rural areas and contributes to the long-term improvement of natural resources. 
• Organic farming is based on a profound understanding of nature's laws and principles. In modern terms, it represents a systematic approach to agriculture that aims to maintain soil health and crop vitality through the use of organic waste, biological materials, and beneficial microorganisms such as biofertilizers. These components help release nutrients in the soil, thereby enhancing crop yields and promoting sustainability. 
• Organic agriculture is defined as a production system that prioritizes the health of soil, ecosystems, and human beings. It combines traditional knowledge, innovative practices, and scientific research to create a balanced and harmonious environment. The goal is to foster equitable relationships among all stakeholders and ensure a high quality of life for everyone involved in the food production process. 

Principles of Organic Farming

• Health: Organic farming aims to enhance the health of soil, plants, animals, and humans. It promotes the idea that healthy ecosystems produce nutritious food, which in turn supports the well-being of all living organisms. 
• Fairness: This principle emphasizes fairness in the production and distribution of food. Organic farming seeks to establish fair relationships between farmers, workers, and consumers, ensuring that everyone involved in the food chain is treated fairly and justly. 
• Ecology: Organic farming is deeply rooted in ecological principles. It recognizes the importance of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of all living organisms. By working with nature rather than against it, organic farming aims to maintain and enhance the health of ecosystems. 
• Care: This principle underscores the need for care and responsibility in farming practices. Organic farmers are encouraged to take care of the environment, animals, and people involved in the production process. This includes minimizing harm and promoting positive impacts on the ecosystem. 

Overarching Goal: The overarching goal of organic farming is to create a sustainable ecosystem that conserves energy, soil, and water resources while safeguarding the broader environment. This involves reducing reliance on external inputs, minimizing pollution, and fostering a balanced and resilient agricultural system. 

Ecological Farming

•  Ecological farming is based on the principle that crops can naturally fight pests, maintain or improve soil fertility, and perform other essential functions without the use of synthetic chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This method produces food that is more natural, wholesome, and nutrient-rich while promoting environmental sustainability with a minimal ecological footprint. 
•  Various forms of ecological farming, including biodynamic agriculture, natural agriculture (Fukuoka), synergistic agriculture, messianic agriculture, permaculture, and others, are grounded in principles of balance and respect for the environment. While similar to organic farming, ecological farming goes a step further by prioritizing the entire ecosystem and aligning practices with the natural life cycle. 
•  Ecological farming is founded on a range of objectives, principles, and best practices aimed at reducing humanity’s impact on the environment. It seeks to create a harmonious relationship between agriculture and nature, ensuring that farming practices contribute positively to the ecosystem. 

Organic vs Inorganic Fertilizers

• Organic Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources and contain essential nutrients that promote plant growth. Examples include compost, manure, bone meal, and fish emulsion. These fertilizers improve soil health and enhance its ability to retain moisture and nutrients. 
• Inorganic Fertilizers: Inorganic or chemical fertilizers are synthetic substances formulated to provide specific nutrients to plants. Common examples include urea, ammonium nitrate, and potassium chloride. While they can lead to quick nutrient uptake by plants, excessive use may harm soil health and water quality. 
• Key Differences:Nutrient Release: Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly, improving soil structure, while inorganic fertilizers provide immediate nutrient availability. Environmental Impact: Organic fertilizers enhance biodiversity and reduce pollution, whereas inorganic fertilizers may contribute to waterway contamination if misused. Soil Health: Organic fertilizers promote long-term soil fertility and microbial activity, while excessive inorganic fertilizer use can lead to soil degradation. 

Advantages of Organic Farming

•  Cost Savings: Farmers can lower production costs by not having to buy expensive chemicals and by ensuring healthier working conditions for farm workers. 
•  Local Inputs: By using affordable local resources, farmers can achieve a good return on their investments. 
•  Growing Demand: There is an increasing global and domestic demand for organic products, leading to higher export revenues. 
•  Nutritional Benefits: Organic products are known for their better nutritional content, taste, and health benefits compared to those produced with chemicals and fertilizers. 
•  Environmental Protection: Organic farming reduces harm to the environment as it avoids the use of fertilizers and chemicals. 
•  Wildlife Support: Organic farming promotes a diverse range of wildlife, especially in lowland areas where animals can roam freely and graze. 
•  Energy Conservation: With fewer residues, organic farms save energy and maintain food quality. 
•  Dairy Health: Organic farming practices benefit dairy operations, as feeding cows organic feed improves their health. 
•  Biodiversity: Greater biodiversity in organic farming allows for the coexistence of more animal and plant species. 
•  Groundwater Protection: Organic farming helps prevent pollution of groundwater resources. 

Disadvantages of Organic Farming

• Availability and Cost of Organic Inputs: Organic manure may be hard to find, and when it is available, it can be more expensive than chemical fertilizers, considering the nutrient content. 
• Initial Yield Decline: During the initial years of transitioning to organic farming, production may decline, necessitating premium prices for organic produce. 
• Complexity of Guidelines: The rules for organic production, processing, transportation, and certification can be intricate and challenging for the average Indian farmer to understand. 
• Marketing Challenges: The marketing of organic produce lacks a well-structured framework, making it difficult for farmers to sell their products. 
• Certification Issues: Many large-scale farmers who practice organic farming remain uncertified due to the high costs and extensive documentation required by certifying bodies. 
• Higher Costs of Organic Food: Organic food can be more expensive because organic farmers typically yield less from their land compared to conventional farmers, with prices sometimes being 40% higher. 
• Inefficiencies in Production: The smaller scale of organic food production can lead to inefficiencies in marketing and distribution. 
• Risk of Food Poisoning: There is a potential risk of increased incidents of food poisoning associated with organic produce. 
• Food Security Concerns: Critics argue that organic farming alone may not be able to meet the food demands of the global population, potentially leading to shortages in countries where food production is already marginal. 

Organic Farming in India

• Sikkim's Achievement: In 2016, Sikkim became the first state in the world to be recognized as entirely organic, showcasing the potential for large-scale organic farming. 
• North East India: The North East region of India has a long-standing tradition of organic farming, with significantly lower levels of chemical usage compared to other parts of the country. This region is well-suited for organic practices due to its diverse agro-climatic conditions. 
• Tribal and Island Territories: Many tribal and island communities in India have historically practiced organic farming methods, relying on traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. These areas have the potential to scale up organic production for commercial purposes. 
• Organic Exports: India’s main organic exports include flax seeds, sesame, soybeans, tea, medicinal plants, rice, and pulses. The organic export sector has seen substantial growth, with a nearly 50% increase in 2018-19, reaching Rs. 5151 crore. 
• Government Initiatives: Various initiatives have been launched in states like Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland to promote organic farming and tap into the growing demand for health foods. These initiatives aim to increase production volumes and explore new export markets. 

Government Initiatives to Promote Organic Farming

1. Mission Organic Value Chain Development in the NorthEast Region (MOVCD-NER): This scheme, initiated in 2015 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, aims to promote certified organic production in a value chain model in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. It focuses on connecting growers and consumers and developing the entire value chain. 

2. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Launched in 2015, PKVY promotes organic farming through the cluster approach to organic villages and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification. It is a component of the National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture’s Soil Health Management. 

3. Soil Health Card Scheme: This scheme has led to a reduction in chemical fertilizer usage by 8-10% while enhancing productivity by 5-6%. It promotes organic practices and soil health. 

4. Agri-export Policy: This policy emphasizes cluster development, marketing, and the promotion of “Produce of India,” supporting organic farming and exports. 

5. One District – One Product (ODOP) Initiative: This initiative highlights indigenous products from Uttar Pradesh, creating job opportunities and encouraging aggregation for small farmers to achieve economies of scale. 

6. PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) Scheme: Launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, this scheme aims to empower small entrepreneurs with new technologies and affordable credit to access new markets. 

7. Zero Budget Natural Farming: This method focuses on chemical-free cultivation and is rooted in traditional Indian practices, promoting organic and natural farming methods. 

Conclusion

Indian farmers have a long history of cultivating their land without chemical inputs, relying instead on organic residues, cow dung, composts, and similar natural resources. This traditional approach aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, ensure food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. With increasing awareness and capacity building among producers to meet international standards, Indian organic farmers are well-positioned to regain their prominent role in global agricultural trade.