Noted space scientist K. Kasturirangan on Saturday called for evolving an India-specific model for precision farming by appropriately integrating the latest advances in IT, biotechnology and space technology.
Speaking at the 50th convocation of the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru here, Dr. Kasturirangan said technological convergence could address challenges like increasing rain-fed agricultural productivity, climate change adaptations, development of tolerant varieties, and technologies related to optimal input management.
Stressing the need for making farming a sustainable livelihood, he said taking agricultural literacy to the “last mile” will help farmers achieve this. He suggested many measures, including bringing in a strong agricultural extension system as well as network by integrating social media with agriculture. Expressing concern over huge post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables to the extent of 25 to 30 per cent due to inadequate processing capacity, he said: “For a country of India’s size, the number of startups that focus on technologies that address the lower-middle class bottom of pyramid solutions are grossly inadequate.”
