CSIR Launches Precision Agriculture Initiative for Enhanced Crop Yields in Jammu & Kashmir

CSIR Launches Precision Agriculture Initiative for Enhanced Crop Yields in Jammu & Kashmir

Asif Iqbal | January 22, 2024 | 06:48 PM IST | Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

CSIR Launches Precision Agriculture Initiative for Enhanced Crop Yields in Jammu & Kashmir.image/KL

CSIR Launches Precision Agriculture Initiative for Enhanced Crop Yields in Jammu & Kashmir

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has launched an initiative to enhance farmers’ income in Jammu and Kashmir by employing precision agriculture techniques tailored to specific crops. The project integrates Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and drone-based imaging to provide real-time data on soil and crop health, with a focus on Apple, Saffron, Paddy, and Gerbera crops. Oversight for the project will be conducted by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu.

Advanced technologies such as soil Optix and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral imaging will be leveraged to optimize mineral nutrition, irrigation, and pest management. The primary objective is to develop enhanced crop-specific agrotechnologies that ensure sustainable yields and increased profitability. This mission aligns with the economic importance of apple, saffron, paddy, and gerbera crops in the region.

The scientists involved in the initiative will employ cutting-edge technologies like soil Optix for soil health mapping and UAV-based multispectral imaging to monitor crop health in real-time. The gathered data will contribute to the development of improved crop-specific agrotechnologies, focusing on soil and plant health optimization through mineral nutrition, irrigation management, real-time crop monitoring, and effective agronomic practices. The ultimate goal is to achieve high-quality and sustainable crop yields.

This investigation will establish baseline data for mapping soil health and creating high-definition nutrient and texture maps. These maps will be utilized for precise variable rate fertilizer application using UAVs and granular fertilizer applicators.

Multi-spectral imaging will play a crucial role in identifying stress, diseases, and pest infestations, enabling targeted and timely interventions. The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu will be responsible for implementing these activities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, stated that the targeted crops in Jammu and Kashmir include Paddy, Apple, Saffron, and Gerbera. The ongoing activities involve surveying, identifying, and registering field sites. Airborne hyper and multi-spectral imaging of crops will commence with apple crops in March 2024 and will be regularly measured throughout the season for optimal crop management. The continuous use of drone-based imaging and soil Optix for real-time soil health monitoring will be maintained throughout the plant’s life cycle.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.