New Agricultural Technology: Steps Towards Increasing Production and Improving Farmers' Income

The government has launched several key initiatives to enhance agricultural production, sustainability, and farmers' income. The Digital Agriculture Mission is a major initiative that leverages technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and geospatial data to improve crop monitoring, soil management, and weather forecasting.

Agricultural Research and Technological Innovations:

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed 2,900 new crop varieties over the past ten years, out of which 2,661 are resistant to biotic (pests, diseases) and abiotic (climatic, soil-related) stresses. Additionally, 156 new technologies, machines, and production processes have been developed to enhance agricultural productivity and post-harvest management.
Furthermore, advancements have been made in the animal husbandry, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors to improve productivity, disease diagnostics, vaccines, processing, and value addition.

Training Programs for Technology Promotion:

To promote awareness and adoption of new agricultural technologies, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) conduct various training programs, field demonstrations, farmer meetings, and skill development initiatives. These programs benefit small and marginal farmers, making agriculture more efficient and profitable.

Strengthening Agricultural Marketing: The government has introduced initiatives like e-NAM (electronic National Agriculture Market), Kisan Rail, and Kisan Udan to improve the transportation and marketing of agricultural products. Additionally, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are being promoted to reduce intermediaries, enabling farmers to sell directly in the market and secure better prices for their produce.
Agri-tech startups and online platforms like AGRI-Bazaar also help farmers connect directly with buyers, increasing their income potential.

Soil Management and Balanced Fertilizer Use: ICAR recommends soil test-based balanced nutrient management, which involves the combined use of inorganic and organic fertilizers (such as manure and biofertilizers). This approach helps reduce excessive chemical fertilizer usage and improves soil health.
Additionally, ICAR advocates for micro-irrigation techniques to conserve irrigation water and ensure efficient water management in agriculture.

Government Schemes for Soil and Water Conservation:

1. The Soil Health Card Scheme guides farmers on using appropriate fertilizers based on their soil type, reducing wastage and enhancing productivity.
2. The "Per Drop More Crop" (PDMC) scheme provides financial assistance to states, improving water-use efficiency, lowering costs, and boosting farmers' income.
3. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana is being promoted to enhance value addition, increase the shelf life of agricultural products, and connect farmers with agro-industries.

These initiatives aim to modernize agriculture, improve farmers' livelihoods, and ensure sustainable growth in the sector.