Precision farming is a modern method of growing crops that makes use of technology to increase productivity and improve environmental sustainability. This approach makes better use of technology and data to plan, grow, and take better care of crops. The activities involve in precision farming include pest scouting, management, crop planting, fertilizer management along with yield assessment. Farmers may grow more crops and save money by using precision farming, which enables them to use resources more efficiently. In such a way, the farmers get more benefits. 

The use of robots and automation, remote sensing, variable rate technology, and GPS mapping enables precision farming more successful. By using this advanced technology, farmers may collect soil and crop data, it also helps to predict weather trends necessary for an agronomist and progressive farmers. Farmers may manage their farms more effectively with the use of this information. For instance, it can also help farmers identify specific portions of the field where insect or disease problems exist. In addition, precision farming enables the optimum application of fertilizer in patches only where the crop is needed, resulting the minimize the production cost and increasing the farmer’s economics.

Precision farming brings the involvement of the following methods to increase crop yield.

Site-specific planting

Precision farming helps identify the ideal location by considering the soil quality, moisture availability, and nutrient status for the sowing of specific crops. As a result, crop development shows an increase, which gives healthy plants higher yields. From a horticultural perspective, site-specific planting might be thought of as picking the ideal location for a garden in your garden. In short, farmers may grow more crops with less work and more efficiency by using precision technology in the farming system.

Variable rate technology

Variable rate technology allows farmers to apply various dosages of pesticides and fertilizers to various portions of the field in specific patches, based on the requirements of each area. As a result, farming becomes more cost-effective while attaining the maximum yield as resources are not wasted on regions that don’t require them. For example, consider a field that is split into two sections including a dry part and a moist part.

Insufficient water supply to the arid region could impede its growth, whereas the humid region may face overwatering leading to waterlogged soil and related issues if the farmer employs the uniform application of water and fertilizer to both sections. Using precision farming, the farmer may ensure that both the wet and dry portions of the field receive the proper quantity of water, resulting in an increase in crop yield. Furthermore, in another approach based on the use of insecticides, there could be many diseases or pests in a crop field. According to the requirements of the field, precision farming enables the farmer to apply pesticides in precise proportions, protecting the crops without wasting time and resources. This guarantees that pests and diseases are managed, and the crops are protected that increasing the crop production and economic status of the farmers.

Crop monitoring 

Precision farming employs specialized equipment like drones, cameras, and sensors to monitor crops from your home or at a large distance. This enables farmers to monitor the progress of their crops and identify any issues. By using precision technology, farmers can identify problems early and take appropriate action, such as under water stress or in any insect infestation, timely management is possible Therefore, there is a higher probability that the crops will flourish and produce more yield. Moreover, farmers may anticipate yields, check crop maturity, and choose the best time to harvest their crops with the help of crop monitoring.

How does precision farming reduce cost? 

Precision farming can help farmers to reduce their labour expenses through the automation of operations. Precision technology can be used to plant crops automatically rather than by hand. As a result, the farmer won’t have to put in as much time and effort in planting the crops, which helps them to save money in terms of labour expenses. The automatic fertilization of crops is another application of precision farming. Farmers can reduce their labour costs by automating these tasks so they don’t have to hire as many employees to work in their fields. For small farmers who do not have as much money to spend on labour, this can be extremely advantageous.

Minimize the use of inputs. 

Farmers can utilize precision agriculture-based technology to monitor the growth of their crops in real time by practising precision farming. As a result, they can detect any problems with the crops and address them before they affect the crop yield targets. For instance, farmers can notice that the crops are under water stress, and they can activate the irrigation system without visiting their fields to meet the crop water demand. Therefore, it also improves water use efficiency and lowers water losses. Furthermore, the less use of pesticides in fields as crops become less susceptible to any disease under the precisions farming. Precision farming helps farmers better understand the requirements of their crops, allowing them to utilize fewer inputs and so save money.

Reduce fuel consumption. 

Farmers who employ precision farming can plan their work more effectively, resulting in a reduction in fuel consumption. Farmers can observe or monitor their field from home more precisely using GPS mapping. This prevents wasting time and fuel by driving about in a loop. With the help of technological advancement, farmers can also map out their fields and determine the ideal route for their tractors to pursue. In this manner, they may avoid repeatedly traversing the same location, which would require more fuel. Furthermore, with the help of precision farming, farmers can organize their planting, fertilizing, and harvesting processes in a way that uses less fuel. They can save money on petrol and cut their overall costs by doing this.

Conclusion

Precision agriculture beings a revolutionary change in crop yield. Presently, the methods of cultivation, monitoring the crops, and taking the data by researchers are changing. Moreover, technological advancement in agriculture’s precise management is possible to cut production costs and enhance farm productivity and yield. Moreover, precision farming is responsible for a sustainable farming system via site-specific planting, variable rate application, and crop monitoring. Thus, precision farming is vital and helps farmers to assure future food supply.

Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad

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