Future prospects of precision agriculture in Nepal

Abstract

Precision agriculture is a management system based on information and technology which analyses the spatial and temporal variability within the field and addresses them systematically for optimizing productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability. It is an emerging concept of agriculture that implies a precise application of inputs at the right place, at the right time, and in the right amount to minimize the production cost, to boost profitability and reduce risks. The three main elements of precision agriculture are data and information, technology, and decision support systems. This system of management is known as ‘Site-specific management’ which makes use of technologies like global positioning system, global information system, remote sensors, yield monitors, guidance technology, variable-rate technology, hardware, and software. Agriculture is the mainstay of Nepal but still is not proficient enough to appease the daily consumption needs. The ongoing system of farming practices in Nepal is deemed insufficient to explore the available resources in its optimum potential. Many cultivable lands in the country are still a virgin, and many indigenous crop varieties have remained unexplored in their wilderness that is rich in biodiversity. These possibilities embark great room for increasing agricultural productivity through the precision farming system if adopted the technology on a large scale within the country. The national economy can be flustered and the environment can also be conserved using precision agriculture. It can address all agricultural and environmental issues. It is a technically sophisticated system and requires great technical knowledge for successful adoption and implementation. This study examines the history, global scenario, scope of precision agriculture, and its importance, opportunities, threats, and challenges in Nepal.

A systematic review on the factors governing precision agriculture adoption among small-scale farmers

“…The dearth of specialised credit facilities, low-interest loans, or grants aimed at supporting the integration of PA can significantly impede progress. The role of financial support is not merely ancillary but pivotal, as studies in Nigeria (Achukwu et al, 2023) and Nepal (Shrestha and Khanal, 2020) suggest. In the absence of such backing, even the most technologically enticing solutions can languish, unutilised, due to the economic constraints faced by small-scale farmers.…”

“…Policy interventions can provide some respite from these economic challenges. Programmes like subsidised greenhouse costs and stabilised input prices, as emphasised in a study in Kirinyaga town, Kenya (Mwangi et al, 2020), or specialised financial support systems like subsidised credit programmes and flexible loans (Shrestha and Khanal, 2020), can significantly ease the financial burden. Such mechanisms not only make technology adoption financially feasible but also catalyse innovation within the agricultural sector, unlocking the latent potential of PA for optimised productivity, profitability and environmental sustainability (Lundblad and Rissanen, 2018; Raghunath and Syamala Devi, 2022).…”

Analysis of Mechanized Agriculture in Southern Region of Ethiopia, Particularly in Central Zones

“…To finish sowing activities within the range of sowing time and reduce overlaps between other farm activities and labour power, traditional sowing practice is common among Ethiopian farmers [10]. After the introduction of the Agricultural Transformation Agency [11] (2010/2011) in the research institute and farmer training center (FTC) as a sample, as well as agricultural practices like row-sowing teff and maize [12], banding fertilizer application, inter cropping could enhance farmers' productivity. However, hand broadcasting of the crop is familiar in the field of study [13].…”

The Effect of Deficit Irrigation on Yield And Water Productivity Of Onion (Red Bombay) Under Drip Irrigation And Mulching At Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.

“…Thus, in accordance with the objective of the study, the proposed study incorporates some pertinent literature. According to (28), precision farming will increase output; cut costs associated with production, and lessen the environmental effect of farming. One of the top 10 agricultural revolutions in history, according to (29), is precision farming, which comprises applying the appropriate management techniques in the appropriate location, at the appropriate time, and at the appropriate place.…”