Introduction
E-technology refers to the application of digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), remote sensing, drones, satellite imagery, mobile applications, and digital platforms in agriculture. For India’s over 86% small and marginal farmers, e-technology can improve productivity, reduce costs, enhance market access, and strengthen climate resilience.
Role of E-Technology in Empowering Small and Marginal Farmers
Improves Access to Agricultural Information: Digital platforms provide real-time advisories on weather, pest management, and crop practices.
Example: Kisan Suvidha App and Meghdoot App provide weather forecasts and agro-advisories.
Enhances Market Access: E-platforms enable farmers to access wider markets and obtain better price discovery.
Example: e-NAM has integrated 1,400+ mandis across India, facilitating transparent agricultural marketing.
Promotes Precision Agriculture: AI, drones, GIS, and IoT optimize the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Example: Drone-based precision spraying under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme reduces input costs.
Facilitates Financial Inclusion: Digital platforms improve access to credit, crop insurance, and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs).
Example: PM-KISAN transfers income support directly into farmers’ bank accounts through the DBT framework.
Strengthens Climate Resilience: Satellite data and AI-based forecasting enable timely adaptation to climatic risks.
Example: National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) uses AI for early pest detection and crop protection.
Challenges to Effective Adoption of E-Technology
Digital Divide: Limited internet connectivity and smartphone penetration restrict digital adoption in rural areas.
Example: Several remote villages still face poor broadband connectivity despite BharatNet expansion.
Low Digital Literacy: Many farmers lack the skills required to effectively use digital platforms.
Example: Elderly farmers often depend on intermediaries to access online services.
Small Landholdings: The high cost of advanced technologies makes adoption uneconomical for individual farmers.
Example: Over 86% of Indian farmers cultivate less than 2 hectares of land.
Affordability Constraints: AI tools, sensors, drones, and precision farming equipment remain expensive.
Example: Custom Hiring Centres are still limited in many regions.
Data Privacy and Interoperability Issues: Absence of standardized agricultural databases limits seamless digital service delivery.
Example: Integration across land records, crop data, and credit systems remains incomplete.
Conclusion
E-technology has the potential to revolutionize Indian agriculture by making farming more productive, profitable, and climate-resilient, particularly for small and marginal farmers. Bridging the digital divide, improving digital literacy, strengthening rural infrastructure, and ensuring affordable access to technology will be crucial for realizing the vision of inclusive and technology-driven agricultural development.