Satellite Technology in Indian Agriculture: ISRO’s Role

Overview

Satellite technology, specifically Earth observation and meteorological data from ISRO’s remote sensing satellites, plays a crucial role in advancing Indian agriculture.

ISRO’s Contribution

Building Satellites: ISRO develops satellites and payloads and processes the satellite data.
Data Distribution: It provides state-specific satellite data to State Remote Sensing Application Centres (SRSACs) across India.

Satellite Types and Objectives

1. Resourcesat-2 & Resourcesat-2A: Multispectral imaging for crop forecasts, resource management, and disaster support.
2. Cartosat-1: Cartographic mapping for irrigation and topography.
3. RISAT-1: All-weather imaging, crucial for kharif crops and disaster management.
4. Kalpana-1: Weather reporting and forecasting.
5. INSAT-3D & INSAT-3DR: Advanced meteorological observations and forecasting.

SRSACs’ Role

Processing Satellite Data: SRSACs analyze ISRO’s data for various agricultural applications.
Data Sharing: Information is shared with state government departments, including agriculture and irrigation.

Government Initiatives Using Satellite Data

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Projects: Utilizes satellite data for FASAL, NADAMS, CHAMAN, and KISAN programs, aiding in crop forecasting, drought assessment, and insurance.
National Programme on use of Space Technology for Agriculture (NPSTA): Integration of various projects under one umbrella for efficient use of space technology in agriculture.

Benefits and Market Growth

Agricultural Enhancements: Satellite data aids in pest detection, input reduction, and yield optimization.
Economic Impact: Potential savings in resources and increased crop production.
Market Expansion: Adoption of satellite technology in agriculture is expected to grow significantly by 2030.

Conclusion

ISRO’s satellite technology significantly contributes to Indian agriculture, offering innovative solutions for crop management, resource optimization, and disaster mitigation. Its integration with governmental initiatives like NPSTA underscores the technology’s vital role in the sector’s future.