Agriculture 4.0 is revolutionizing the way we think about farming, and urban farming is at the heart of this transformation. As cities grow and populations rise, the need for sustainable, efficient ways to produce food is becoming more critical. Urban farming brings agriculture into cities, using innovative techniques like vertical farming, hydroponics, and rooftop gardens to grow fresh produce in urban environments. This modern approach not only addresses food security by providing locally-grown food but also reduces the carbon footprint linked to transporting food from rural areas. Urban farming is shaping the future of how cities feed themselves, making healthy, sustainable food more accessible to everyone.
Tags: GS-3,Economy- Agricultural Marketing – Farm Subsidies- PDS- Buffer Stocks & Food Security
Context:
- Agriculture 4.0 is transforming urban food production by integrating advanced technologies to meet the rising demand for local, sustainable food in cities.
- This innovative approach turns urban areas into productive agricultural hubs, leveraging smart technologies with vertical farming, and hydroponics.
What is Agriculture 4.0?
- About:
- It is also known as digital agriculture, represents the fourth major revolution in agricultural practices, which uses cutting-edge technology to provide food production and consumption.
- This innovative approach the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, big data analytics, robotics, and precision farming techniques lying
- Others Key Agricultural Revolutions:
- Agriculture 1.0: The first transition from hunting-gathering to settled agriculture, beginning around 10,000 BC, characterised by the domestication of plants and animals
- Agriculture 2.0: The technological revolution in agriculture (18th-19th centuries), characterised by mechanisation, crop rotation, and the use of fertilisers and pesticides a they are used
- Agriculture 3.0: Green Revolution (mid-20th century), with high-yielding crop varieties, widespread irrigation, and widespread use of fertilisers and pesticides food production increased.
What are the benefits of Agriculture 4.0?
- Increased Crop Yields and Productivity: Precision farming technologies, like IoT sensors and AI, optimise inputs. In India, yields increased up to 30%, e.g., Microsoft and ICRISAT’s AI-powered sowing app boosted Andhra Pradesh’s groundnut yield by 30%.
- Resource Efficiency and Sustainability: Smart irrigation reduces water consumption by up to 50%. Tamil Nadu’s Precision Farming Project cut water use by 40-50%, and soil health data-guided fertilisation lowered fertiliser use by 15-20%.
- Climate Resilience and Risk Mitigation: Advanced weather forecasting aids farmers in adapting to climate change. CRIDA’s ‘Meghdoot’ app provides weather-based agro-advisories, reducing crop losses due to extreme weather.
- Supply Chain Optimization and Market Access: Technologies like blockchain improve supply chain transparency. India’s eNAM platform has enrolled over 1.69 crore farmers, improving market access and reducing post-harvest losses.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Big data and AI enable predictive analytics. The FASAL project in India uses satellite imagery to predict crop yields, aiding national food security planning.
- Democratisation of Agricultural Knowledge: AI-powered mobile apps, like Kisan Suvidha, provide farmers with crop management advice. Agritech startups like DeHaat have seen revenue growth by over 80% through sales of farm inputs.
Key Case Studies Related to Agriculture 4.0:
- Pramod Gautam: A former automobile engineer, Pramod switched to farming in 2006 on his 26-acre land. Running a successful dal mill and horticulture business with a turnover of ₹1 crore annually.
- Sachin Kale: A mechanical engineer, Sachin left his job in 2013 to create an innovative clean energy farm. He now manages a company assisting 137 farmers with contract farming, generating a ₹2 crore turnover.
- Harish Dhandev: Leaving his government job, Harish ventured into Aloe Vera farming in Rajasthan. He expanded to 100 acres, earning ₹1.5-2 crore annually.
- Vishwanath Bobade: From drought-prone Beed, Maharashtra, Vishwanath utilised multi-cropping and drip irrigation on one acre, earning ₹7 lakh.
- Rajiv Bittu: A chartered accountant turned farmer, Rajiv used modern techniques like drip irrigation and mulching. His diversified crop strategy on leased land earns him ₹15-16 lakh annually.
Key Roadblocks to Implementation of Agri 4.0 in India:
- Limited Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity:
- Rural digital infrastructure is a major barrier, with about 25,067 of India’s 5.97 lakh villages lacking mobile and internet connectivity.
- The Digital India initiative, last-mile connectivity issues hinder the deployment of IoT devices necessary for precision agriculture, especially in states like Bihar and Jharkhand.
- Small and Fragmented Landholdings:
- With an average landholding size of only 1.08 hectares, India’s agricultural landscape is dominated by small and marginal farmers.
- large-scale technologies like GPS-guided tractors and drones, increasing per-acre technology costs and complicating data collection.
- Limited Financial Resources and Access to Credit:
- The average annual income of rural households is around ₹96,708, and while credit access has improved through schemes like the Kisan Credit Card, the uptake of high-tech farming solutions remains low.
- Lack of Awareness and Digital Literacy:
- As of 2023, only 30% of farmers have adopted any digital technology, with a rural digital literacy rate of just 25%, impeding even basic service adoption.
- Inadequate Data Infrastructure and Standards:
- Initiatives like the Soil Health Card scheme generate data, but its effective integration is lacking, preventing the development of AI and ML models essential for precision agriculture.
- Environmental and Socio-Economic Disparities:
- Technologies suitable for irrigated regions may not be effective in rain-fed areas, which constitute 51% of India’s net sown area.
- Additionally, agri-tech success is often concentrated in developed agricultural belts, widening the technology adoption gap.
What are the government initiatives on digitised agriculture?
- India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA): It integrates policy databases for effective policies to increase farmers’ income and enhance sector efficiency.
- National e-Governance Policy in Agriculture (NeGP-A): Supports public enterprises using technologies such as AI, ML, robotics, drones, data analytics and blockchain to modernise agriculture
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM): Focuses on providing agricultural mechanisation to small and marginal farmers through recruitment of traditional labour, high-tech mechanisation and capacity building has been implemented
- E-Nam: To support farmers, traders and FPOs by connecting Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) to create an integrated market for agricultural produce.
- PM-Kisan Scheme: Transfers funds directly to farmers’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Farmers can register and get information through the PM-KISAN Mobile App.
- AGMARKNET: G2C e-governance portal providing information on agribusiness, including daily prices and trends in agricultural markets.
- Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Provides financial support for post-harvest management and community farm assets, as well as interest rate subsidies and loan guarantees
- National Horticulture Network (HORTNET): Promotes e-governance in the horticulture sector through a web-enabled system for financial support, and ensures transparency in the process.
- National Program on Soil Health and Crops: Provides soil health records to farmers through a digital platform to monitor nutrient deficiencies and improve fertilisation practices.
- Kisan Suvidha Mobile App: Disseminates crucial information on weather, market prices, plant protection, input dealers, and more to help farmers make informed decisions.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q:1 In the context of India’s preparation for Climate -Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021)
- The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
- The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
- The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Q:2 Consider the following pairs: (2014)
Programme/Project Ministry
- Drought-Prone Area Programme Ministry of Agriculture
- Desert Development Programme Ministry of Environment and Forests
- National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas Ministry of Rural Development
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- None
Ans: (d)
Q:3 In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (2020)
- Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
- Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
- Social Capital development
- Free electricity supply to farmers
- Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
- Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 2 and 5 only
- 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
- 2, 3 and 6 only
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Ans: (c)
Mains:
Q:1 Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (2016)
Q:2 Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (2017)
Source: TH
To get free counseling/support on UPSC preparation from expert mentors please call 9773890604
- Join our Main Telegram Channel and access PYQs, Current Affairs and UPSC Guidance for free – Edukemy for IAS
- Learn Economy for free- Economy for UPSC
- Learn CSAT – CSAT for UPSC
- Mains Answer Writing Practice-Mains Answer Writing
- For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
