A large part of India's economy is still dependent on agriculture. The farmer is the class that strengthens the food security of the entire country. But in today's time, traditional farming is facing many challenges. Changing weather, floods, droughts, and pest infestations affect the hard work of the farmer. In a state like Assam, where a large number of people are associated with farming, the right use of technology can give a new life to farming.
In today's time, the use of smart technology in farming is increasing rapidly. In this, particularly advanced innovations like IoT (Web of Things) and AI (Manufactured Insights) have played an enormous part. With these innovations, agriculturists are able to screen their trim, get data about the soil and climate, and make the right choices at the right time. This altar is taking a state like Assam towards an agritech transformation.
The Importance of Agriculture in Assam
Assam is considered to be a state with green land and fertile soil. Due to the climate here and the Brahmaputra River, there is a better environment for farming. Tea, rice, mustard, sugarcane, and vegetables are cultivated on a large scale in this state. Apart from this, crops like paddy and mustard are also the identity of Assam.
However, despite such possibilities, the challenges are also not less. Assam faces the problem of floods every year. Many times due to sudden rains, there is waterlogging in the fields, and the hard work of the farmers is affected. Pest infestation and reduction in soil fertility also increase the concern of farmers. The solution to these problems is possible only when farming is connected with modern technology.
What is smart farming?
Smart farming means using new technologies in farming. This makes farming different and more effective than traditional methods. It uses modern tools like sensors, drones, mobile apps, satellite data, and machine learning.
Through IoT (Web of Things) innovation, sensors introduced in the areas allow data around soil dampness, temperature, and climate. At the same time, AI (Fake Insights) gives the right exhortation to the rancher by analyzing this information. For example, when to water, when to fertilize, and which medicine will be right for the crop. With this type of farming, the labor of the farmer is also reduced and the yield is also increased. This farming is completely based on data, thereby working on accurate information instead of guesswork.
Use of IoT and AI in Assam
Soil and moisture testing
It rains a lot in Assam. Many times, the fields are filled with water, and the crop gets damaged. In some places, there is a shortage of water. In such times, IoT sensors help farmers. These sensors give accurate information on soil moisture. Farmers can decide when to irrigate and when not to irrigate on the same basis. This saves water and gives the crop the right amount of moisture.
Accurate weather information
The weather of Assam changes suddenly. Sometimes floods come, and sometimes crops dry up due to strong sun. AI-based apps and platforms give accurate weather forecasts to farmers. With this, farmers will be able to sow crops on time and get ready to save their crops. This information reduces risk and has a positive impact on production.
Pest and disease management
Pests and diseases in crops cause the greatest harm to farmers. The farmers of Assam often face this problem. AI technology can help with this. Farmers can take a photo of their crop from the mobile and upload it in the app. The AI system immediately tells what disease is in the crop and what its treatment is. With this, the right medicine can be given at the right time.
The use of drones and smart machines
Today, at many places in Assam, farmers are using drones. Drones have made it easier to monitor fields, spray pesticides, and assess yields. Apart from this, smart tractors and harvester machines save both time and effort for the farmers. Where earlier a work used to take several days, now the same work is completed in a few hours.
Benefits to farmers
The farmers adopting smart farming in Assam are getting many benefits.
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Crop yields are increasing because they are getting fertilizer and water at the right time.
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The cost of farming is decreasing because water, fertilizers, and medicines are being used only as per the need.
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Time is being spared since machines and rambles work faster.
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Farmers are presently able to make data-based choices, which decreases the chances of error.
Through portable apps and advanced stages, ranchers are able to specifically get to advertise and win superior costs.
Challenges and solutions
Challenges
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Although smart farming is beneficial, it also faces many challenges.
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Not all farmers are tech savvy.
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Many villages in Assam have problems with the internet and network.
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Sensors and smart devices are expensive, which not every farmer can afford.
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The problem of language and lack of training also creates difficulties for farmers.
Solution
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Training programs will be conducted for farmers.
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The government should give subsidies on technical equipment.
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Mobile apps should be developed in local languages.
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Agricultural universities and start-ups should work more in this direction.
The role of government and start-ups
Both the Assam government and the central government are promoting smart farming. Many schemes are being run for the farmers, which are helping them in adopting technology.
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Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides financial assistance to farmers in times of natural calamities.
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With the Kisan Credit Card, farmers can easily buy equipment by taking a loan.
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Assam Agricultural University and local startups are researching IoT and AI technology and taking it to the farmers.
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Free consultation is being provided to farmers through drone service and mobile apps.
Future prospects
Smart farming can give a new direction to the agricultural sector of Assam. In the coming times, the tea industry here can be further modernized. IoT devices can be made available for small farmers collectively.
Moreover, through the online platform, farmers can sell their products directly to the customers. This will reduce the role of middlemen and increase the income of farmers. Exports can also increase, and Assam can make a mark for agricultural products at the international level.
Conclusion
The agriculture of Assam is a combination of both tradition and modernity. The farmers here are hardworking but continue to face challenges. Now the time has come to connect farming with technology. Modern technologies like IoT and AI have brought new hope for farmers. This will reduce the cost of production and improve the quality of life of the farmers. With the joint efforts of the government, start-ups, and farmers, Assam can become the center of the agri-tech revolution. Smart farming is not just for farmers.
It will not only strengthen the situation but also stabilize the food security of the state and the country.
