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Precision Farming: The Future of Indian Agriculture

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DOI: 10.7324/JABB.2016.40609

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Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology Vol. 4 (06), pp. 068-072, Nov-Dec, 2016
Available online at http://www.jabonline.in
DOI: 10.7324/JABB.2016.40609

Precision Farming: The Future of Indian Agriculture

V. M. Abdul Hakkim1,2, E. Abhilash Joseph1*, A. J. Ajay Gokul2, K. Mufeedha1

1
Precision Farming Development Centre (PFDC), Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (KCAET), Kerala Agr icultural
University, Tavanur P.O, Malappuram, Kerala, India. 2Department of Land & Water and Conservation Engineering (LWRCE), Kelappaji College of
Agricultural Engineering and Technology (KCAET), Kerala Agricultural University, Tavanur P.O, Malappuram, Kerala, India.

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article history: Precision Farming or Precision Agriculture is generally defined as information and technology based farm
Received on: 08/07/2016 management system to identify, analyse and manage spatial and temporal variability within fields for optimum
Revised on: 04/08/2016 productivity and profitability, sustainability and protection of the land resource by minimizing the production
Accepted on: 20/08/2016 costs. Increasing environmental consciousness of the general public is necessitating us to modify agricultural
Available online: 05/11/2016 management practices for sustainable conservation of natural resources such as water, air and soil quality, while
staying economically profitable. The use of inputs (i.e. chemical fertilizers and pesticides) based on the right
Key words: quantity, at the right time, and in the right place. This type of management is commonly known as “Site-Specific
Crop management, hi-tech Management”. The productivity gain in global food supply have increasingly relied on expansion of irrigation
agriculture, variable rate schemes over recent decades, with more than a third of the world's food now requiring irrigation for production.
technology, precision All-together, market-based global competition in agricultural products is challenging economic viability of the
farming. traditional agricultural systems, and requires the development of new and dynamic production systems.

1. INTRODUCTION developing countries, precision farming holds the promise of

substantial yield improvement with minimal external input use [2].
Precision farming is an approach where inputs are utilised
in precise amounts to get increased average yields compared to 2. NEED OF PRECISION FARMING
traditional cultivation techniques. Hence it is a comprehensive
system designed to optimize production by using a key elements The global food system faces formidable challenges today
of information, technology, and management, so as to increase that will increase markedly over the next 40 years. Much can be
production efficiency, improve product quality, improve the achieved immediately with current technologies and knowledge,
efficiency of crop chemical use, conserve energy and protect given sufficient will and investment. But coping with future
environment [1]. Thus, precision farming is an appealing concept challenges will require more radical changes to the food system
and its principles quite naturally lead to the expectation that and investment in research to provide new solutions to novel
farming inputs can be used more effectively, with subsequent problems. The decline in the total productivity, diminishing and
improvements in profits and environmentally less burdensome degrading natural resources, stagnating farm incomes, lack of eco-
production. The precision farming developments of today can regional approach, declining and fragmented land holdings, trade
provide the technology for the environment friendly agriculture liberalization on agriculture, limited employment opportunities in
of tomorrow. Especially in the case of small farmers in non-farm sector, and global climatic variation have become major
.
concerns in agricultural growth and development. Therefore, the
use of newly emerged technology adoption is seen as one key to
increase agriculture productivity in the future. Instead of managing
* Corresponding Author an entire field based upon some hypothetical average condition,
Abhilash Joseph E., Precision Farming Development Centre (PFDC), which may not exist anywhere in the field, a precision farming
Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology approach recognizes site-specific differences within fields and
(KCAET), Kerala Agricultural University, Tavanur P.O, Malappuram, adjusts management actions accordingly. Farmers usually are
Kerala, India. Email:[email protected] aware that their fields have variable yields across the landscape.

© 2016 O. Abdul Hakkim et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License -NonCommercial-ShareAlike
Unported License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/).
 Hakkim et al. / Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology 4 (06); 2016: 068-072 069

These variations can be traced to management practices, evaluate present and alternative management by combining and
soil properties and/or environmental characteristics. The level of manipulating data layers to produce an analysis of management
knowledge of field conditions is difficult to maintain because of scenarios.
the large sizes and changes due to annual shifts in leasing
arrangements in the farm area. So the entire farm area has to be 3.4 Grid soil sampling and variable-rate fertilizer (VRT)
divided into small farm units of 50 cents or less. Precision application
agriculture offers the potential to automate and simplify the Variable-rate technologies (VRT) are automatic and may
collection and analysis of information. It allows management be applied to numerous farming operations. VRT systems set the
decisions to be made and quickly implemented on small areas rate of delivery of farm inputs depending on the soil type noted in
within larger fields. a soil map. Information extrapolated from the GIS can control
processes, such as seeding, fertilizer and pesticide application,
3. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT herbicide selection and application at a variable rate in the right
place at the right time. VRT is perhaps the most widely used PFS
3.1 Global positioning system (GPS) technology in the United States [4]. Grid soil sampling uses the
GPS is a navigation system based on a network of same principles of soil sampling but increases the intensity of
satellites that helps users to record positional information (latitude, sampling. Soil samples collected in a systematic grid also have
longitude and elevation) with an accuracy of between 100 and 0.01 location information that allows the data to be mapped. The goal
m [3]. GPS allows farmers to locate the exact position of field of grid soil sampling is a map of nutrient needs, called an
information, such as soil type, pest occurrence, weed invasion, application map. Samples may be collected for more than one area
water holes, boundaries and obstructions. There is an automatic of a field which fall in to the same range of yield, soil colour, etc.
controlling system, with light or sound guiding panel (DGPS), and thus the same zone. Grid soil samples are analysed in the
antenna and receiver. GPS satellites broadcast signals that allow laboratory, and an interpretation of crop nutrient needs is made for
GPS receivers to calculate their position. The system allows each soil sample. Then the fertilizer application map is plotted
farmers to reliably identify field locations so that inputs (seeds, using the entire set of soil samples. The application map is loaded
fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and irrigation water) can be into a computer mounted on a variable-rate fertilizer spreader. The
applied to an individual field, based on performance criteria and computer uses the application map and a GPS receiver to direct a
previous input applications [4]. product-delivery controller that changes the amount and/or kind of
fertilizer product, according to the application map [7,8].
3.2 Sensor technologies
Various technologies such as electromagnetic, 3.5 Crop management
conductivity, photo electricity and ultra sound are used to measure Satellite data provide farmers a better understanding of
humidity, vegetation, temperature, texture, structure, physical the variation in soil conditions and topography that influence crop
character, humidity, nutrient level, vapour, air etc. Remote sensing performance within the field. Farmers can, therefore, precisely
data are used to distinguish crop species, locate stress conditions, manage production factors, such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides,
identify pests and weeds, and monitor drought, soil and plant herbicides and water control, to increase yield and efficiency.
conditions. Sensors enable the collection of immense quantities of
data without laboratory analysis [5]. 3.6 Soil and plant sensors
Sensor technology is an important component of
3.3 Geographic information system (GIS) precision agriculture technology and their use has been widely
This system comprises hardware, software and reported to provide information on soil properties and plant
procedures designed to support the compilation, storage, retrieval fertility/water status. A comprehensive list of current sensors as
and analysis of feature attributes and location data to produce well as desirable features for new sensors to be developed in the
maps. GIS links information in one place so that it can be future [9].
extrapolated when needed. Computerized GIS maps are different One of the most popular ways to characterize soil
from conventional maps and contain various layers of information variability is surveying the field with soil apparent electrical
(e.g. yield, soil survey maps, rainfall, crops, soil nutrient levels and conductivity (ECa) sensors that collect information continuously
pests). GIS is a kind of computerized map, but its real role is using when pulled over the field surface. Because ECa is sensitive to
statistics and spatial methods to analyse characters and geography. changes in soil texture and salinity, these sensors provide an
A farming GIS database can provide information on filed excellent baseline to implement site-specific management.
topography, soil types, surface drainage, subsurface drainage, soil
testing, irrigation, chemical application rates and crop yield. Once 3.7 Global Positioning System (GPS)
analysed, this information is used to understand the relationships Global Positioning System satellites broadcast signals
between the various elements affecting a crop on a specific site that allow GPS receivers to calculate their position. This
[6]. In addition to data storage and display, the GIS can be used to information is provided in real time, meaning that continuous
070 Hakkim et al. / Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology 4 (06); 2016: 068-072

position information is provided while in motion. Having precise still problems related to data transfer between farmers, and
location information at any time allows soil and crop between farmer, co-op and consultant. To overlay maps, mainly
measurements to be mapped. GPS receivers, either carried to the soil and yield maps, is also a difficult task so far.
field or mounted on implements allow users to return to specific
locations to sample or treat those areas. Uncorrected GPS signals 3.11 Yield monitor
have an accuracy of about 300 feet. Yield monitors are a combination of several components.
They typically include several different sensors and other
3.8 Rate controllers components, including a data storage device, user interface
Rate controllers are devices designed to control the (display and key pad), and a task computer located in the combine
delivery rate of chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, cab, which controls the integration and interaction of these
either liquid or granular. These rate controllers monitor the speed components. The sensors measure the mass or the volume of grain
of the tractor/sprayer traveling across the field, as well as the flow flow (grain flow sensors), separator speed, ground speed, grain. In
rate and pressure (if liquid) of the material, making delivery the case of grains, yield is continuously recorded by measuring the
adjustments in real-time to apply a target rate. Rate controllers force of the grain flow as it impacts a sensible plate in the clean
have been available for some time and are frequently used as grain elevator of the combine.
stand-alone systems. A recent development of a mass flow sensor works on
the principle of transmitting beams of microwave energy and
3.9 Precision irrigation in pressurized systems measuring the portion of that energy that bounces back after
Recent developments are being released for commercial hitting the stream of seeds flowing through the chutes. In all yield
use in sprinkler irrigation by controlling the irrigation machines monitors, GPS receivers are used to record the location of yield
motion with GPS based controllers. In addition to motion control, data and create yield maps. Other yield monitoring systems
wireless communication and sensor technologies are being include devices used in forage crops to keep track of weight,
developed to monitor soil and ambient conditions, along with moisture, and other information on a per-bale basis [10].
operation parameters of the irrigation machines (i.e. flow and
pressure) to achieve higher water application efficiency and 3.12 Precision farming on arable land
utilization by the crop. These technologies show remarkable The use of PA techniques on arable land is the most
potential but further development is needed before they become widely used and most advanced amongst farmers [11]. CTF is a
commercially available. whole farm approach that aims at avoiding unnecessary crop
damage and soil compaction by heavy machinery, reducing costs
3.10 Software imposed by standard methods. Controlled traffic methods involve
Applying precision agriculture technologies will confining all field vehicles to the minimal area of permanent
frequently require the use of software to carry out diverse tasks traffic lanes with the aid of GNSS technology and decision support
such as display-controller interfacing, information layers mapping, systems.
pre and post processing data analysis and interpretation, farm Another important application of precision agriculture in
accounting of inputs per field, and many others. The most common arable land is to optimise the use of fertilizers, starting with the
are software to generate maps (e.g. yield, soil); software to three main nutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. In
filtering collected data; software to generate variable rate conventional farming these fertilizers are applied uniformly over
applications maps (e.g. for fertilizer, lime, chemicals); software to fields at certain times during the year. This leads to over-
overlay different maps; and software to provide advanced application in some places and under-application in others. The
geostatistical features. environmental cost is directly related to over-application which
All are excellent options for precision agriculture farm allows nitrogen and phosphorus leaching from the field into
management and record keeping to keep up with the needs of ground- and surface waters or to other areas of the field where they
modern, information-intensive farming systems. There are a few are not desired.
companies that operate world-wide and provide integrated With the use of precision agriculture methods, fertilizers
software packages from generating all different types of maps, can be applied in more precise amounts, with a spatial and
having statistical analysis tools and also record keeping. The temporal component to optimize the application. The technology
machinery companies that provide yield meters also offer software that allows the farmer to control the amount of inputs in arable
to generate yield maps and fertilizer companies provide software lands is the Variable Rate Application (VRA), which combines a
to generate variable rate applications maps. Some of the packages variable-rate (VR) control system with application equipment to
are very complicated for farmers to use and they are fairly apply inputs at a precise time and/or location to achieve site-
expensive, while some others are considerably simpler and specific application rates of inputs. VRs are decided on the basis of
cheaper with fewer options. The packages are more user-friendly prior measurement, e.g. from remote sensing or machine mounted
and have many options for the farmer to use. However, there are sensors.
.
 Hakkim et al. / Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology 4 (06); 2016: 068-072 071

3.13 Precision farming within the fruits & vegetables and the readiness for fertilisation. An SMS message then allows the
viticulture sectors farmer to plan for insemination.
In fruit and vegetable farming the recent rapid adoption
of machine vision methods allows growers to grade products and 3.15 On-line resources for precision agriculture
to monitor food quality and safety, with automation systems There is a wealth of information available over the
recording parameters related to product quality. These include internet on new technology for farm production. Most
colour, size, shape, external defects, sugar content, acidity, and manufacturers of farm equipment, GPS receivers, sensors, and
other internal qualities [12]. Additionally, tracking of field other PA technologies use this media to inform growers on new
operations such as chemicals sprayed and use of fertilizers can be products, technical specifications, trouble-shooting information,
possible to provide complete fruit and vegetable processing software upgrades, and a variety of services.
methods.
This information can be disclosed to consumers for risk 4. CONCLUSION
management and for food traceability as well as to producers for
precision agriculture to get higher quality and larger yields with Precision farming is still only a concept in many
optimized inputs. In recent years several new approaches were developing countries and strategic support from the public and
developed that take into account the actual size of the tree, the private sectors is essential to promote its rapid adoption.
condition of the crop, but also the environmental conditions [13]. Successful adoption, however, comprises at least three phases
The development and adoption of PA technologies and including exploration, analysis and execution. Precision
methodologies in viticulture (termed Precision Viticulture, PV) is agriculture can address both economic and environmental issues
more recent than in arable land. However, driven by the high value that surround production agriculture today. Questions remain
of the crop and the importance of quality, several research projects about cost-effectiveness and the most effective ways to use the
already exist in wine production areas of the world [14,15]. Grape technological tools we now have, but the concept of “doing the
quality and yield maps are of great importance during harvest to right thing in the right place at the right time” has a strong intuitive
avoid mixing grapes of different potential wine qualities. The appeal. In the light of today’s urgent need, there should be an all-
parcels with greatest opportunities for PV are those which reveal a out effort to use new technological inputs to make the ‘Green
high degree of yield variation. A high degree of variation will Revolution’ as an ‘Evergreen Revolution’. Ultimately, the success
mean higher VRA of inputs and, therefore, greater economic and of precision agriculture depends largely on how well and how
environmental benefit in comparison with uniform management. quickly the knowledge needed to guide the new technologies can
be found.
3.14 Precision livestock farming (PLF) Precision farming provides a new solution using a
Precision livestock farming (PLF) is defined as the systems approach for today's agricultural issues such as the need to
management of livestock production using the principles and balance productivity with environmental concerns. It is based on
technology from precision agriculture. Processes suitable for the advanced information technology. It includes describing and
precision livestock farming approach include animal growth, milk modelling variation in soils and plant species, and integrating
and egg production, detection and monitoring of diseases and agricultural practices to meet site-specific requirements. It aims at
aspects related to animal behaviour and the physical environment increased economic returns, as well as at reducing the energy input
such as the thermal micro-environment and emissions of gaseous and the environmental impact of agriculture.
pollutants. Systems include milk monitoring to check fat and
microbial levels, helping to indicate potential infections, as well as 5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
new robotic feeding systems, weighing systems, robotic cleaners,
feed pushers and other aids for the stockman such as imaging The authors are thankful to the Kerala Agricultural
systems to avoid direct contact with animals. New systems for data University and the Dean, Kelappaji College of Agricultural
monitoring for feed and water consumption can be used to the Engineering and Technology (KCAET), Tavanur for providing
early detection of infections is available now. Other developments necessary facilities and support for the preparation of the
include the monitoring on the growing herd where measurement of manuscript.
growth in real time is important to provide producers with feed
conversion and growth rates. Acoustic sensors detect an increase Financial support and sponsorship: Nil.
in coughing of pigs as an indicator of respiratory infection. Other Conflict of Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.
sensors are now used to provide alerts concerning birthing and
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