From Tradition to Innovation: Govt approves Rs 30.40 cr project “Sensor-based Smart Agriculture” for J&K farmers

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 17: The government of Jammu and Kashmir has approved an ambitious Rs. 30.40 crore project “Sensor based Smart Agriculture” envisaging integration of agriculture with technology driven by Artificial Insemination and IoT for automation of practices, enhanced resource use efficiency and profitability.

 

This project, which is aimed at to establish a ‘sensor-based smart agriculture ecosystem’ would prove to be a game changer for agri-economy of the region. The integration of agriculture with technology driven by AI and IoT will make agriculture alluring, professional and competitive.

 

The project would enable use of Hi-tech poly houses for cultivation of cash crops around the year with the application of IoT and automation for monitoring microclimatic parameters of plants. The green house technology will result in increased yields and make possible off season availability of vegetables as early production or late availability as compared to open field conditions.

 

The world’s population is growing at an unprecedented rate, and as a result, food production must keep pace with this expansion. This has put immense pressure on the agricultural industry to increase productivity and output. Agriculture, which contributes over 17 per cent to India’s GDP, employs over 54 per cent of the country’s population. In Jammu and Kashmir, over 70 per cent of the economy is based on agriculture, making it an important area for improving livelihoods through adoption of digital agriculture for increasing input use efficiency, production, productivity, and profitability.