How technology is reshaping Indian farming

India, a predominantly agricultural nation, faces significant challenges despite its record-breaking food grain production. With a burgeoning population and widespread malnutrition, the country demands innovative solutions to ensure food security. To address the challenges in agriculture, a sustainable approach characterised by minimal energy, resource, and chemical use, is crucial for environmental preservation is essential. New technologies empower farmers to make informed decisions, leading to low-input farming practices. This involves modernising traditional practices through automation, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and internet of things (IoT) technologies to achieve smarter farming.

To accelerate the adoption of these technologies, it is crucial to address both demand-side and supply-side factors. This involves enhancing farmer awareness, providing adequate training, and strengthening extension services. Additionally, supportive policies, investments in research and development, and improved infrastructure are essential to create a conducive environment for technological innovation and adoption.

Emerging technologies like hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics offer potential for indoor food production, efficient resource use, and increased farmer income. Drones are increasingly used for various agricultural tasks, including spraying and monitoring. Climate-smart technologies like greenhouses and shade nets can help mitigate climate change impacts on agriculture.

To understand the adoption of these technologies in India, this study focuses on Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. These states represent diverse agricultural landscapes and levels of technological adoption. By examining these regions, we can identify factors influencing technology adoption and propose policy recommendations to accelerate their uptake.

The primary objectives of this study are:

• Assess the current adoption rates of emerging technologies in Indian agriculture.

• Identify factors influencing technology adoption and barriers to wider implementation.

• Propose policy recommendations to promote the adoption of these technologies and improve agricultural outcomes.

• Compare the adoption of emerging technologies in India with global trends.

Methodology

This study aims to understand the factors influencing the adoption of emerging agricultural technologies in India. To achieve this, a multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 808 farmers from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.

Primary data was collected through direct interviews with farmers, while secondary data was sourced from published literature, government reports, and agricultural research institutions.

Results and discussion

Our study revealed that high initial investment costs, lack of awareness, and low risk-taking abilities are major barriers to the adoption of emerging agricultural technologies in India. Specifically, technologies like hydroponics and drones, while promising, face challenges due to their complexity and high investment requirements.

Key findings

• High initial investment costs: A significant number of farmers expressed concern about the high upfront costs associated with emerging technologies, particularly hydroponics and precision agriculture. These technologies often require specialized equipment, infrastructure, and technical expertise, which can be a significant barrier for smallholder farmers.

• Lack of awareness and knowledge: Many farmers lack a comprehensive understanding of emerging technologies and their potential benefits. This knowledge gap hinders their decision-making process and can lead to skepticism and resistance to change.

• Low risk-taking ability: Farmers, especially smallholders, are often risk-averse and hesitant to adopt new technologies due to uncertainties about their economic viability and potential risks. They may prefer to stick to traditional farming practices, which are perceived as less risky.

• Limited applicability and infrastructure constraints: Some technologies, such as drones and precision agriculture, may have limited applicability in certain regions due to factors like topography, climate, and infrastructure. For instance, drone technology may not be suitable in hilly or forested areas, and precision agriculture may require reliable internet connectivity and advanced data analytics capabilities.

• Water scarcity and quality issues: Water availability and quality are critical factors influencing the adoption of water-intensive technologies like hydroponics. In regions with water scarcity, farmers may be reluctant to adopt technologies that require significant water inputs.

To address these challenges and promote technology adoption, the following strategies are recommended:

• Financial incentives: Government subsidies, low-interest loans, and credit facilities can reduce the financial burden on farmers and encourage technology adoption.

• Capacity building and training: Organizing workshops, training programs, and farmer field schools can enhance farmers' knowledge and skills, enabling them to effectively utilize emerging technologies.

• Extension services: Strengthening extension services can provide timely technical advice and support to farmers, addressing their specific needs and concerns.

• Demonstration farms: Setting up demonstration farms can showcase the benefits of emerging technologies and encourage farmers to adopt them by providing hands-on experience and practical knowledge.

• Public-private partnerships: Collaborations between government, private sector, and research institutions can facilitate technology transfer, innovation, and the development of affordable and accessible technologies.

• Policy support: Creating supportive policies and regulations can create a conducive environment for technology adoption, including streamlining regulatory processes and providing incentives for technology development and deployment.

By implementing these strategies, India can accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies and realize the potential benefits of improved agricultural productivity, sustainability, and farmer livelihoods.

Conclusion

This study delves into the factors influencing the adoption of emerging technologies in Indian agriculture. While a significant portion of farmers (59%) expressed a positive attitude toward technology adoption, a lack of awareness and information remains a major barrier.

Key challenges hindering technology adoption include:

• High initial investment costs: Many farmers lack the financial resources to invest in new technologies.

• Limited awareness and knowledge: Insufficient awareness and understanding of emerging technologies hinder their adoption.

• Poor extension services: Ineffective extension services fail to provide adequate guidance and support to farmers.

To accelerate technology adoption, it is imperative to address these challenges through targeted interventions. These may include providing financial incentives, organizing training programs, and strengthening extension services. By empowering farmers with knowledge and resources, we can foster a more technology-driven and sustainable agricultural sector.