New technology in Vegetable farming, A new medium of safe and smart farming for farmers

New techniques in vegetable production In the current circumstances, the survival of farmers, especially small and marginal ones, is facing challenges due to continuous reduction in land holdings, decreasing subsidies for inputs, labor costs, input expenses, and sluggish growth in the production of grain-based crops per unit. Presently, increasing urbanization, growing purchasing power, and rising awareness about the health benefits of vegetable consumption among the middle and upper classes are leading to a higher demand for vegetables. This demand is further fueled by government welfare schemes like MNREGA, midday meal plans, the Food Security Act, and initiatives to strengthen the economic power of the higher-income group. These programs support the inclusion of nutritious and high-value items such as vegetables in their diet at a reduced cost. Amidst these conditions, diversifying agricultural systems with high-value varieties such as vegetables could be considered as an option to improve the income of Indian farmers and enhance the economic diversity of Indian agriculture. Some new technologies could play a crucial role in promoting vegetable production in the country.

Development of new varieties in vegetable production Since humans began cultivating plants, a dynamic process has evolved in the improvement, quality enhancement, disease resistance, pest control, and development of new crops and their varieties. With advancements in science and agriculture, the manipulation and development of plants have become more defined and rapid. Kashi Aman, a leaf spot-resistant variety of tomatoes, is an example of this progress. Several vegetable crops have been genetically modified to exhibit tolerance to pests, pathogens, and herbicides, along with characteristics such as slow ripening, high nutritional content, seedless fruit, and increased sweetness. Ultimately, the success of such products lies not only in ensuring the security of the products but also in delivering clear benefits to producers and consumers.

Irrigation system for vegetable production:

Micro Irrigation: For leafy vegetable production, water is a crucial component. Vegetables require timely and adequate irrigation for their proper development, which should be managed properly to utilize each droplet efficiently and prevent the wastage of this valuable resource. Additionally, through micro-irrigation systems, it can be precisely controlled, enhancing efficiency and preventing the wastage of such essential inputs. Moreover, micro-irrigation techniques are promising for the application of fertilizers in the root zone of plants. 

Sprinkler Systems: Sprinkler irrigation is a method akin to natural rainfall. Water is usually distributed through pipes by a pumping system. It mimics the natural way plants receive water, ensuring a uniform distribution across the field.
Drip Systems: Drip irrigation is an efficient system from the perspective of water conservation. The irrigation system is IPM (Integrated Pest Management) dependent, primarily relying on bio-agents (bio-control organisms) for pest management. Incorporating several supplementary strategies to enhance regular agricultural monitoring can reduce the need for direct control practices and ensure that pesticides are used only when necessary, supporting the life of beneficial microorganisms.

Farmers benefit from the use of new technologies in vegetable farming New technologies are enhancing farming management capabilities, leading to improvements in productivity. With smart farming, farmers can now produce vegetables in larger quantities, contributing to an increase in their income. The unique application of new irrigation technologies is facilitating water conservation, ensuring the proper utilization of water resources and the efficient irrigation of fields. Due to secure and smart farming practices, there is a growth in farmers' income, providing them with additional benefits. These new technologies are further supporting agriculture economically. Smart farming technologies are assisting farmers in understanding and controlling the conditions of their fields, thereby enhancing their safety and security.

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Nursery Training: Healthy nursery training is the most crucial step in vegetable production, determining productivity and profitability in vegetable farming. A vegetable nursery is a place where plants are nourished at their initial development stages, ensuring that seeds are germinated in optimal conditions. It provides ideal conditions for their subsequent growth, until they become robust enough to be transplanted into the main field. A nursery can be equipped with advanced facilities, resembling an elevated bed in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse. These facilities may include micro-sprinklers and an automated temperature control system to create an environment conducive to healthy plant growth.

Post-harvest techniques in vegetables:

Vegetable production in controlled environments is the optimal choice for effectively utilizing land and other resources in changing climatic conditions. Embracing secure farming practices ensures a year-round availability of high-quality vegetables for both domestic consumption and export. Secure farming implies having one or more levels of control over biotic stress factors in plantations, which can be efficiently managed for sustainable plant development. This control can be achieved through various structures like greenhouses, poly houses, net houses, poly-tunnels, etc. Under these structures, crop yields can be significantly increased compared to open-field conditions, making them several times more productive.

Kitchen Gardening: Based on necessity, urgency, and suitability, promoting old practices as new techniques may be essential. Kitchen gardening is one such age-old practice being promoted as a new technique to combat malnutrition and cultivate healthy habits, especially in economically disadvantaged families. This form of gardening utilizes available land, recycled water, and organic waste from homes, contributing to the nutritional value and diversity of meals. It is particularly crucial in villages where earning opportunities are limited, and access to markets is scarce. Home gardens are becoming an increasingly important source of food and income for economically disadvantaged families in both peri-urban and urban areas. Generally, kitchen gardening products are abundant in natural pesticides.

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