Why we need IoT technology in Agriculture?

The IoT is not only revolutionizing the automotive industry but also transforming the agricultural sector. However, it is not without its limits and challenges. The use of IoT is beneficial not just for industry professionals and degree holders but also for small farmers, who are increasingly becoming educated about this technology. They are being made aware of the latest tech gadgets and how they can be useful.

When farmers are introduced to new technology, their family members also become familiar with it, bringing science and technology into farming families. With small steps, big dreams are achievable. However, we need to be cautious: is IoT truly beneficial for farmers to achieve long-term profitability, or is it just a temporary solution?

IoT technology enables farmers to gather data on various aspects of their operations, including soil moisture, temperature, and crop health. This data is crucial for the good growth of their crops and for long-term purposes. It also helps optimize irrigation systems, fertilizer application, and pest management, leading to increased yields and reduced waste over time.

As we move into the era of Industry 5.0, aiming for a wasteless world, it is essential to reduce waste and focus on the maximum use of raw materials from the beginning. Efficient management of the initial stages with practical considerations in mind is vital. In agriculture, this sector is particularly impacted by natural calamities.

One significant advantage of IoT devices is that they allow farmers to monitor their crops remotely and take proactive measures to address any issues that may arise. There is a crucial need for farmers to maintain their agricultural land, not just by being present on the ground but also by managing their crops from a distance.

How IoT is game-changing for small farmers?

One of the ways identified for changing the whole scenario of small farmers in India is through the use of precision agriculture technologies.

The technology involves the use of data and analytics for optimizing crop management, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency. Several companies are involved in developing IoT-based precision agriculture solutions that enable farmers to monitor their crops and call for decisions based on the data.

Hence, real-time data are the most appropriate way to collect information and act accordingly to support the farmers and monitor the crops and agricultural lands.

AgriVantage is one such company, developing an IoT-based platform called “AgriSense” to provide farmers with real-time data on soil moisture, temperature, and other factors affecting crop growth.

The farmers are allowed to set up their automated irrigation systems and receive alerts when there are issues with their crops. 

Another example is Cropio, which is developing an IoT-based platform known as “Cropio,”  providing farmers with real-time data on crop health, water usage, and other factors that affect crop growth. The platforms support the farmers in setting up automated irrigation systems and receiving alerts whenever any issues with their crops are raised.

One more useful contribution is the way the environmental footprint is reduced by optimizing water usage and reducing waste. Rather than focusing on creating wealth or an industry out of waste, our primary target should be to reduce waste in every way possible.

It is also a good study for anyone who wants to focus on studying agricultural patterns or the loopholes that are creating waste.

IoT technology is also used in the sector to improve the supply chain for agricultural products.

SensiEdge is one such company, focused on developing an IoT-based platform called “FarmSense,” which provides farmers with real-time data on weather conditions, soil moisture, and other factors affecting crop growth.

The harvesting times are also optimized by the data, reducing waste. I think it is the perfect example of the principles of Industry 5.0.

The transportation and storage conditions are also provided to farmers by the company to enable them to optimize their supply chain and reduce costs. Hence, the data is properly focused on taking care of the harvested crops until they reach their destination.

The Key challenges Indian farmer faces Adopting IoT

Even though we are living in a high-tech world, we are not far away from the key concerns and challenges that Indian farmers face in adopting IoT technologies.

1. Access to electricity is limited for many small Indian farmers, making it difficult to power up IoT devices.
2. The internet connectivity is limited, with farmers having access to electricity and not reliable internet connectivity; hence, it is difficult to transmit data from IoT devices.
3. The IoT devices are expensive, and they are quite expensive, especially for small farmers who may not be in a good financial position to purchase those resources.
4. The technical expertise is lacking, with many small Indian farmers lacking the technical expertise for properly installing and maintaining IoT devices.
5. IoT devices require a huge amount of data to operate, and if they are limited in data, it is difficult to make them accessible to small Indian farmers.
6. IoT devices are vulnerable to security threats, and hence, the security concerns are huge for hacking and tackling cyber attacks that can compromise the safety and security of the collected data.
7. The regulatory barriers are also quite important, such as license knowledge and the requirements.
8. Awareness among the farmers is a key challenge, as is the confidence to act upon it.
9. The infrastructure systems are quite limited to small Indian farmers due to sensors and data loggers.
10. Financial assistance.

Real-life case study

1. The “Smart Farming” project in Maharashtra was launched by the Government of Maharashtra in 2016 to promote sustainable agriculture and improve the livelihoods of small farmers. IoT technologies such as sensors, drones, and mobile apps provide farmers with real-time information about soil moisture, temperature, and crop health.
2. The “Agricultural Technology Development Centre” (ATDC) in Gujrat provides the needed training and technical assistance to small farmers in Gujrat. The center also uses IoT technologies such as sensors and drones to provide farmers with real-time information about soil moisture, temperature, and crop health.
3. The “Smart Irrigation System” in Haryana was developed by the Haryana government in partnership with the World Bank. The focus was to improve the efficiency of irrigation systems in the state. IoT technologies such as sensors and drones for monitoring soil moisture levels and adjusting irrigation schedules. It is possible due to the real-time information about water usage and identify areas where water was been wasted out.
4. The “Smart Crop Monitoring System” in Kerala was developed by the Kerala government in partnership with the World Bank, improving the efficiency of crop monitoring in the state. IoT technologies such as sensors and drones for monitoring crop health and detecting early signs of diseases.

In my opinion, we can clearly state that IoT has found its way in the agricultural sector and hence the real-time monitoring of the agricultural field shows that, IoT got a long way in the agriculture domain.

With more focused research in the agricultural field, more innovative ways and ideas can take birth to solve the life of the farmers and also making it more easier for the farmers to live around.

Sources:- inspirisys, csrbox, atdc, business standard, startupmission