Trends Defining the Future of Farm Mechanization

AGRI MECHANIZATION IN INDIA WILL GATHER PACE

The pandemic triggered increased adoption of mechanization due to labor migration, resulting in good growth in farm machinery sales. The farm machinery industry in India has largely been focused on low technology implements mainly manufactured by unorganized workshops in rural areas. Hence it needs to grow rapidly like the tractor industry. Indian and global brands are furthering efforts in this space. This will drive manufacturing employment, and technology development, improve farm incomes, and create export opportunities for India.

RISE OF PRECISION FARMING

The future of precision technologies in India is being built on two components. One is the automation of farm activities with smart machines. Second, remote sensing of detailed farm parameters enables these machines to act with precision to create desired outcomes. This can be achieved through hyperspectral imagery analytics which will help interpret imagery, to give farmers information about their land and crops. Field video cameras, sensors, and drones are used to collect crop information in real-time. The power of imagery analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning will help generate commercial benefits for the small farmer, opening up many possibilities for farming in the future. Hence, precision farming is expected to grow at a faster pace.

TRACTOR & FARM MACHINERY ON PAY FOR USE

We need to provide technology-driven services for small farmers. These must be progressive, affordable, and accessible for increased productivity and profitability. New delivery models like pay per use farm equipment model will help farmers improve income per acre. There also needs to be a good blend of physical and digitally-enabled services across the complete crop cycle to help farmers adopt better more effective farming techniques, powered by newer technologies like AI, IoT, and digital solutions. Farmers need to focus on agronomy advisory services, access to advanced farm equipment on rent, and new-age precision farming solutions to bring down costs and improve productivity and income.

ECOSYSTEM OF START-UPS

The future of farming lies in ecosystems that create value for all the stakeholders. Excellent collaboration opportunities exist in the Agri ecosystem where there is so much heterogeneity and complexity along the farm value chain. Product-centric firms are continuously striving to utilize platform-centric models to compete in the digital age. Platforms facilitate interaction between producers and other businesses along value chains and value networks besides boosting the performance of the farm as a unit.