{"id":6047,"date":"2025-09-24T14:59:21","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T09:29:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/babrone.avfu.ac.in\/blog\/?p=6047"},"modified":"2025-09-24T15:05:37","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T09:35:37","slug":"space-technologies-enhancing-agricultural-developments-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/babrone.avfu.ac.in\/blog\/?p=6047","title":{"rendered":"Space technologies enhancing agricultural developments in India"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sugandha Kashyap<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Department of Aquaculture<\/span><\/p>\n

College of Fisheries, Assam Agricultural University, Raha<\/span><\/p>\n

Email ID- sugandha16kashyap@gmail.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

With over 51% land under cultivation and 46% of people employed<\/strong>, the agricultural sector is the dominant sector for India. Considering its GDP contribution of about 16%<\/strong> (Economic Survey 2024-25) and a growth rate lower than 2%, modernization and rational practices are a prime need of the hour.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Indian space sector, with ISRO\u2019s advanced space technologies, has emerged as a key enabler for rural India. Besides contributing to space dynamics and the cosmic world, ISRO has a key role to play in today\u2019s rural transformation through the primary sector.<\/span><\/p>\n

ISRO \u2013 Promoting  Space Agriculture<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"1\"<\/p>\n

AXIOM-4 mission<\/strong>: ISRO is leading a key project on superfoods in space (moong and fenugreek germination).<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CROPS <\/strong>(Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) Mission<\/strong> – A Leap in Space Farming<\/strong>: Developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC),<\/strong> it is ISRO\u2019s first biological experiment<\/strong> to grow plants in space under microgravity <\/strong>conditions. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata<\/em>) was the plant selected for the experiment due to its shorter germination time. ISRO successfully germinated cowpea seeds in just four days, marking a milestone in space farming.<\/span><\/p>\n

ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY:<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Crop monitoring and yield estimation can be done through satellite images, providing real-time data on cropping area, management, crop cycle stage, health, and damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"2\"<\/p>\n

Image source: Satellites for Indian Agriculture-Bharat Krishi Satellite Programme (available at: <\/strong>Satellites For Indian Agriculture-Bharat Krishi Satellite Programme – Officers Pulse<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The Geographic Remote Sensing (GIS) data, remote sensing helps in planning the Public Distribution System (PDS), and eases export strategy management.<\/span><\/p>\n

Farmers often face challenges to pest and disease management, which can significantly decrease Agricultural GDP. Using satellite data from ISRO can enable effective management of pest-affected areas, allow timely intervention, and minimize loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Soil health is the most crucial step for good productivity. Government initiatives like the Soil Health Card Scheme and Nutrient-based subsidy scheme use satellite data to analyse soil conditions like water retention, nutrient deficiencies, etc., and guide the farmers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Satellite data can promote Precision Agriculture by optimizing inputs like irrigation, land use patterns, pest management, and monitoring crop health status.<\/span><\/p>\n

IN WATER USE EFFICIENCY:<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Around 65% of the total groundwater consumption is in the agriculture sector, and the irrigation cost is around 70% of the total input cost. Therefore, proper water use is crucial for farming. Satellite data monitors irrigated areas, ensuring optimal usage of water, reducing over-use. It also identifies areas of depleted groundwater for effective planning and restoration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP):<\/strong> ISRO\u2019s geospatial tools help monitoring and mapping of watershed areas, aiding in the conservation of natural resources.<\/span><\/p>\n

KEY GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND ISRO\u2019S CONTRIBUTION:<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n