High-tech farming refers to agricultural activities that include the latest technology. It is an agricultural activity that requires a lot of money as it requires a lot of money to buy special tools, material maintenance, staff training, etc. Hi-tech agriculture is closely related to the farming system with the aim of providing for the needs of both, local as well as foreign markets. It uses farming technology to increase yields, ensures high quality (usually free of pesticides) and sees an increase in market value. Growing fresh vegetables in the tropics and developing disease-resistant plants through genetic engineering are common examples of high-quality agriculture.
Benefits of high-tech farming
• Yield increases 5 to 8 times high productivity in each area
• Essential savings on essential nutrients such as water (up to 50%), fertilizer (25%) and pesticides
• Better growth and quality match
• It occurs even in stable areas, high salinity, water logged, sandy and hilly areas
High-Tech agricultural potential areas
• Urban and suburban areas to meet the needs of new products such as vegetables, fruits and flowers all year round
• Areas with limited land and water resources
• Areas where access to agricultural land is restricted due to snow and where low temperatures are prevalent prevent crop planting under open field conditions
• Small and medium-sized lands for the use of advanced production technology
• As an agricultural business for emerging rural and urban youth peripherals
Following steps taken by Government to provide digital and technological services in High-Tech farming
1. The Government of India has announced the 2022 Union Budget on the establishment of a fund transferred to NABARD under a co-operative investment model to support the implementation of agri-tech space.
2. Government provides financial support for Sub Mission on Agricultural (SMAM) to Farm Equipment Training and Testing Centers (FMTTIs), Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR) Institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Farmer Producers’ Organizations (FPOs) ) and Provincial Agricultural Universities (SAUs) for drone exhibitions and the establishment / development of Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) / Hi-Tech Hub to provide agricultural services through drone technology. Drone service providers can receive benefits from the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.
3. The Department has created a state-of-the-art Task Force, which is in the process of finalizing a report on the India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) that will undermine the development of the Digital AgriStack with unique farmers’ IDs, and intermediate levels. various data distribution in Agristack. This will open up opportunities to develop services and solutions for the private sector.
4. The Department has developed a state-of-the-art Task Force, which is in the process of finalizing a report on the India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) that will undermine the development of Digital AgriStack with unique farmers’ identity, and interoperability standards various data distribution in Agristack. This will open up opportunities to develop services and solutions for the private sector.
5. Provisions are made under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to support independent agri-tech players.
6. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) is a centralized Scheme. The state can use projects under RKVY in PPP mode by approving such projects through the State Scholarship Committee (SLSC) of the state.
Services Launched during 2018-19 (IAED)
The section entitled “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” was launched under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR) 2018-19 with the aim of promoting innovation and agri-entrepreneurship by providing financial support and maintaining an incubation ecosystem. Under this program, emerging entrepreneurs are encouraged to use new technologies to solve challenges facing agriculture and related sectors. A total of 799 emerging entrepreneurs have been selected in various agricultural and other sectors under the program to provide financial assistance to the Knowledge Partners and Agri Business Incubators appointed by the government to implement the program. The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has been supporting Agri-based startups under a project called the National Agriculture Innovation Fund (NAIF) launched in 2016-2017.
Steps by NABARD in High-Tech Agricultural Projects
1. A guide for banks in evaluating hi-tech agricultural projects including investment testing, technical and financial assessments, risk management and monitoring systems.
2. More than 143 models of non-banking projects have been developed to integrate key technical activities with a high value of the agricultural industry and a country / area model projects by appropriate regional offices.
3. Funding is extended to the State Government for infrastructure development (food parks) under the RIDF
4. Provide consulting services to potential entrepreneurs
For improving High-tech framing in country, its needs to establishing appropriate policies and special reference for credit acquisition. A resource map and infrastructure needs assessment need to done to facilitates the implementation of a high-tech framework in Agricultural sector. A state agricultural system aimed at addressing the needs of both, domestic and foreign markets. The government has taken number of steps to improve and increase its capacity with the announcement of the 2022 Union Budget on the establishment of a fund transferred to NABARD under a co-operative investment model to fund start-ups in the agri-tech or Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) organization. Medium scale funded projects/program and similar provisions made under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to support independent agri-tech players in the Agriculture sector.
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