GS3 · 10 marks · 150 words

In what ways can precision agriculture become a panacea for multipronged challenges plaguing the agriculture sector? Discuss. Also, analyse various impediments in widespread adoption of precision farming in India.

Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2025

Agri-technologyCrops and Cropping PatternsIrrigation and WaterAgricultural Marketing

Syllabus: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

How toppers approached it

From all 5 answers · about 140 words · 60% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition80%
  • A quotation20%

Body

  • Points60%
  • Points and prose40%

Close

  • A way forward80%
  • No separate close20%

The toppers’ answers

Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 158 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Precision Agriculture focuses on more judicious application and usage of farms inputs; thereby reducing costs and making farming more sustainable & profitable.

Body · points and prose

  • What challenges plague Agri today?

① Over Irrigation a) Exp. in Green Revn Areas Of Punjab, etc. b) Soil salinity issue and carcinogenic produce c) Mandatory Irrigation increases subsidy Bill of Govt. and high cost Agriculture d) Ground-water decline

② Excessive Fertilizer ① Punjab uses 12 times more fertilizer than what Sikkim used before turning organic. ② Fertilizer Bill : > 2 Ton.

Methods of Precision Agriculture

Hydroponics; Aeroponics; Drip and sprinkler irrigation; Rationalization of Fertilizers by schemes like PM-PRANAM, etc.

Diagram
Precision Agri - Lower cost - Better nutrient cycling - sustainability

Challenges

  1. Bad subsidy structure
  • Over 77% irrigation subsidy to Borewell Irrigation
  • only 5% to Sprinkler & Drip Irrigation.

  1. Farmer lobby Groups exp. from Rich states.

  2. Technological Backwardness

  • Thus, we need to collaborate with countries like Israel which are expert and also rationalize our policies at the same time.

Close · a way forward

None written.

More on Agri-technology

E-technology in the aid of farmers: precision farming, advisory platforms, drones, soil cards, farm mechanisation.

All GS3 questions on Agri-technology