ISRO TECHNOLOGY ON AGRICULTURE: ECONOMY

ISRO TECHNOLOGY ON AGRICULTURE: ECONOMY

NEWS: ISRO satellites forecast wheat production

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

ISRO, using its satellite-based CROP framework, has estimated India’s 2024–25 wheat production at 122.724 million tonnes, showcasing the role of space technology in real-time crop monitoring. Such tools are transforming Indian agriculture by enabling precision farming, resource optimization, and informed decision-making.

ISRO’s Latest Study on Wheat Production (2024–25 Rabi Season)

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has estimated India’s total wheat production at 122.724 million tonnes for the 2024–25 Rabi season.
  • The assessment covers eight major wheat-growing states and provides near real-time estimates using advanced space-based monitoring tools.
  • The study utilized the Comprehensive Remote Sensing Observation on Crop Progress (CROP) framework, a scalable and semi-automated platform developed by ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC).
  • CROP uses satellite data from EOS-04, EOS-06, and Resourcesat-2A combining both Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) datasets to monitor crop sowing, health, and harvesting.
  • As of March 31, 2025, the wheat sown area was recorded at 330.8 lakh hectares, aligning closely with data from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Need for Space Technology in Indian Agriculture

  • Agriculture is the backbone of India’s rural economy, yet it faces challenges such as growing population, shrinking arable land, water scarcity, and climate variability.
  • Space technology provides aerial and temporal advantages that are vital for continuous, large-scale monitoring of agricultural parameters.
  • It enhances sustainable farming, data-driven decision making, and resource optimization, contributing to food security and farmer welfare.

Applications of Space-Based Technologies in Agriculture

  1. Precision Agriculture
    • Utilizes Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for accurate mapping of farms and fields.
    • Helps in site-specific irrigation, fertilizer application, and crop yield estimation.
    • Enhances resource efficiency, lowers input costs, and boosts productivity.
  1. Remote Sensing and Satellite Imaging
    • Offers continuous observation of crop growth, vegetation cover, and land-use patterns.
    • Detects crop stress, pest infestations, and diseases early, enabling targeted interventions.
    • Helps in estimating area under cultivation and forecasting yields accurately.
  1. Hyperspectral Imaging
    • Provides detailed plant health diagnostics by analyzing spectral signatures.
    • Detects subtle physiological changes in plants, often before visible symptoms appear.
    • Superior to traditional multispectral methods in disease detection and nutrient analysis.
  1. Water and Soil Management
    • Monitors soil moisture levels, identifies drought-prone zones, and supports efficient irrigation.
    • Aids in groundwater mapping, flood risk analysis, and soil erosion monitoring.
    • Supports land conservation efforts and sustainable soil health practices.
  1. Improved Farmer Connectivity
    • Satellite-enabled communication networks provide real-time updates on weather, market prices, and crop advisories.
    • Helps bridge the digital divide and ensures timely dissemination of critical information.

Institutional Support and Related Initiatives

  1. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Initiatives
    • Has incorporated space-based tools for agricultural applications since the 1980s.
    • Focus areas include crop monitoring, yield forecasting, and land-use classification.
  1. Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC)
    • Established in 2012 to operationalize space technologies developed by ISRO for operational crop forecasting.
    • Collaborates with ISRO and IMD for generating pre-season, mid-season, and final forecasts.
  1. Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI)
    • Uses satellite data for soil resource mapping, assessing land capability, and classifying land for suitable crops.
  1. Krishi-DSS Platform
    • A first-of-its-kind geospatial decision support system developed for Indian agriculture.
    • Provides farmers and planners with access to satellite imagery, weather data, reservoir levels, groundwater status, and soil health indicators.
    • Accessible from any location at any time, enabling evidence-based decision-making.

Conclusion and Way Forward

  • The integration of space technology into agriculture can revolutionize the sector by improving productivity, reducing resource waste, and enhancing climate resilience.
  • As challenges such as climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity grow, the wider adoption of satellite tools will be critical.
  • The way forward involves expanding satellite infrastructure, training farmers and extension workers, and strengthening data-sharing platforms.
  • By bridging the gap between technological innovation and grassroots farming practices, India can ensure long-term agricultural sustainability, economic upliftment of farmers, and national food security.

 

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/isro-satellites-forecast-wheat-production/article69471106.ece