“Bytes: Practical Research for CSR” is a series by Give Grants designed to decode and demystify the extensive social impact research and data available in the form of clear and actionable insights for CSR practitioners in India.”

Understanding the Problem

Low Agricultural Productivity

India’s agri sector is extensive, with nearly 60% of the country’s territory under cultivation, covering 175 million hectares. Of this, 141 million hectares are under crops. Despite significant progress in recent years, India lags behind other countries in terms of agricultural productivity.1 The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that global food production needs to rise by 70% to meet the projected demand by 2050, highlighting the urgency of addressing productivity challenges in Indian agriculture.

Soil Degradation

Unsustainable agricultural practices have significantly degraded soil quality in India.2 Nearly 50% of the canal-irrigated regions are affected by salinization and alkalinization, resulting from overwatering and inefficient water management. Additionally, natural factors such as rain and wind continue to deteriorate soil in hilly, arid, and semi-arid areas. Furthermore, the intensive use of agricultural inputs — including over-tilling, fertilizers, pesticides, engineered seeds, and monocropping — has compounded the problem, leading to further soil degradation.3

Water Scarcity and Uncertainty

According to the World Bank and the FAO, only 42.3% of agricultural land in India is irrigated, with the remaining being rain-fed.4 This makes small and marginal farmers, who constitute over 80% of the farming population, particularly vulnerable to climate fluctuations.5 These farmers, with cultivable land of less than 2 hectares, have limited coping capacity and are severely affected by unpredictable rainfall patterns, temperature extremes, and the increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts and floods.6

Climate Change and Its Impact

Climate change poses a significant threat to smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Research by The/Nudge Institute found that 63% of smallholder farmers cite climate as their top concern, with 70% experiencing crop loss due to variations in weather.7 Agriculture itself is a major contributor to climate change, accounting for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions.8 As the population and consumption increase, and other sources of emissions decrease, the agricultural sector’s share in causing climate change is expected to rise

What is Precision Agriculture?

Precision Agriculture is the science of improving crop yields and assisting management decisions using hi-tech sensors and analysis tools.

What does IoT for agriculture mean?

IoT (Internet of Things) for agriculture refers to using interconnected devices, sensors, and technologies to collect, monitor, and manage agricultural data and processes in real-time. Typical applications for IOT in agriculture include remote monitoring, precision irrigation, equipment management and crop health monitoring.

How IoT helps farmers in India

Precision Monitoring and Resource Management

IoT technologies enable precise monitoring of various agricultural parameters such as soil moisture, crop health, and environmental conditions. This real-time data allows farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, leading to better crop management and higher yields. For example, sensors can monitor soil moisture levels, ensuring that water is used only when needed, thus conserving water and preventing over-irrigation.

Reducing Environmental Harm
Digital technologies facilitate the targeted application of herbicides and pesticides, minimizing the harm to soil and water resources caused by excessive or inappropriate usage. By using IoT systems to monitor pest and disease outbreaks, farmers can apply pesticides more precisely and only when necessary. This reduces the likelihood of fertilizer runoff and limits the spread of pesticides to surrounding water bodies, thereby protecting the environment.9 10
Cost and Waste Reduction
IoT can optimize the use of fertilizers by notifying farmers about the nutrient levels in different parts of their fields. This allows for targeted fertilizer application, reducing costs and environmental impact. Similarly, smart irrigation systems adjust water usage based on soil moisture levels, ensuring optimal watering and conserving water.13 Precision irrigation systems contribute to lower water usage, energy use, and labor use, and reduce nitrous oxide emissions resulting from overwatering.14
Smart Irrigation and Fertilization
IoT systems help farmers decrease production costs and waste by optimizing the use of inputs like seeds and fertilizers. Sensors deployed in various farm settings collect and analyze data on critical factors such as soil moisture and crop health. This precise monitoring enables farmers, especially smallholder farmers, to make data-driven decisions, increasing production gains and reducing resource wastage.11 12
Enhanced Decision-Making and Automation
By monitoring weather conditions and other environmental factors, IoT helps farmers make better decisions about planting and harvesting, reducing the risk of crop failures.15 16 17. IoT also enables the automation of various agricultural processes, saving time and reducing labor costs. Farmers can remotely monitor and control different aspects of their farm operations using IoT platforms, making farm management more efficient and cost-effective.18

IoT Integration in Indian Agriculture through
Policy & Social Innovation

The Government of India has implemented several policy steps, including farmer collectivization, direct benefit transfers in fertilizer sales, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, e-NAM, Kisan Suvidha, Soil Health Card Scheme, and the Agri Stack initiative to incentivize tech adoption. In addition, the government is also fostering the development of Agritech startups through the launch of accelerator funds and digital public infrastructure in India The supportive policy environment has spurred the growth of AgriTech startups in India. In the last 4 years, AgriTech startups have raised about INR 6,000 crore,19 with over 1,000 startups now active.20 The estimated market potential of $3.4 billion for precision agriculture highlights the growing interest in using IoT to improve the efficiency and productivity of India’s agricultural sector.21 The technological approach of AgriTech enterprises not only adds value for farmers but also attracts investor interest, making them pivotal in transforming India’s agricultural industry.22

Snapshot of IoT Products, Providers and
Price in India - An Indicative List

Further Thinking for CSR Practitioners

Here are some examples of how CSR initiatives can play a pivotal role in enhancing the adoption and effectiveness of IoT in agriculture, ensuring long-term benefits for the farming community and the environment:
  1. Current information dissemination and training through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and subsidies are insufficient to reach small and remote farmers. CSR projects can bridge this gap in partnership with the states.
  2. Additionally, there is a need to invest in pilot projects assessing barriers to the adoption of such technologies to improve the targeting of govt schemes.

Conclusion and Takeaways

IoT for precision agriculture offers a transformative solution to many challenges faced by Indian agriculture. By improving profitability, reducing environmental impact, and creating new employment opportunities, IoT can play a crucial role in driving sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. CSR practitioners can leverage IoT technologies to design impactful and sustainable agricultural programs, aligning with both environmental goals and economic benefits for smallholder farmers. Investing in IoT for agriculture is not just about technological advancement; it is about fostering a sustainable future for the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the growing population.

An infographic showcasing the potential social, economic and environmental impact of IoT in precision agriculture

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