Precision farming in vegetables

Abstract

Precision agriculture is a popular new concept in production. Precision agriculture can be defined as a comprehensive system designed to optimise agricultural production through the application of crop information, advanced technology and management practices. A truly comprehensive approach to precision agriculture begins with crop planning and includes tillage, planting, chemical applications, harvesting and post harvest processing of the crop. A more holistic agricultural approach uses information technology to bring data from multiple sources to bear on decisions associated with agricultural production, logistics, marketing, finance and personnel. Technological interventions in precision horticulture include genetic conservation, genetic engineering, integrated nutrient management, protected cultivation, post harvest technology, micro irrigation and fertigation etc. Modified crop geometry further improved B:C ratio to 3.26 without subsidy and 4.0 with subsidy. Precision farming is a comprehensive system designed to optimise production. This can increase production efficiency, improve product quality, improve the efficiency of crop chemical use, conserve energy and protect environment with the use of key elements of information, technology and management. Technology and management practices such as field scouting, field mapping, variable rate control, yield mapping and post harvest processing can be readily adopted to vegetable crop production. However, the technology related to precision farming needs refinement to realize benefits.