An application of precision farming techniques in production of pigeonpea-an economic analysis

The increasing and indiscriminate use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in present agriculture is deteriorating soil health and environment. Precision farming (PF) is identified as environment-friendly technologyand holistic approach of farm management. The present study assessed the comparative costs and returns of producing pigeonpea under PF and conventional farming situations and also the use of chemical inputs in production encompassing sustainability in production. The data were analysed by tabular analysis and partial budgeting technique. There was less use of chemical fertilizers and PPCs under PF and a net gain of 10, 536.34/ha under PF as compared to conventional farming. Though the monetary benefits associated with theadoption of PF practices in this study do not show much increase, the technology promises the sustainability by managing crop through variable rate of application of inputs and application of fertilizers based on soil testing. Collaborative efforts by space technology organizations, agricultural institutions, private sector and NGOs in India will pave the way for adoption of precision farming in India.