A STUDY ON PRECISION IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN PUNE DISTRICT

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The main purpose of this study is to understand the benefits and challenges of
adopting precision irrigation technology among farmers in Pune district of Maharashtra. With the
growth of emerging technologies, transformation the agriculture sector is being rapidly. Agriculture
productivity has direct or indirect effect the economic growth of the nation. Adoption of emerging
technologies can help the farmers to improve the quality and quantity of crops.
Methodology: Both quantitative and qualitative data was used in this research study. A
questionnaire-based survey and interviews were used for collecting primary data from various
stakeholders including farmers, agriculture government officers and manufacturing companies in
Pune City.
Main Findings: From the analysis of collected data this study has been reached to some main
conclusions. As per the respondents’ response water, soil, crop and Land resources are to be
managed for improving the quality and quantity of agriculture production. 77 percent respondents
think that water is the main problem in the area of Pune district and it has to be managed effectively.
91 percent respondents involved in this study think that the implementation of modern irrigation
technology will be helpful for the farmer to improve the quality and quantity of agriculture production
and 80 percent respondents says that Precision Irrigation Systems will eliminate the water scarcity
problem in the future. . 68 percent respondents are in the favour of implementation of drip irrigation
in Pune district.
During the analysis of collected data it was also found that many other factors can be barriers for the
farmers for adopting the modern irrigation technology. 60 percents respondents think that in Pune
district farmers are holding land less than 2acres and their annual income is not more than 3- 4 lacks.
Due to less income they are not able to adopt the technology. A 50 -70 percent respondent says that
there is less education and awareness about new technology among the farmers. 79 percent
respondents due to less education and awareness of information about technology, farmers are not
able to handle the complexity with software. According to 70 percent respondents, to implement
modern technologies like irrigation systems initial cost will be high as small framers’ annual income
is less than 4 lacks.
Applications of this study: Precision irrigation technology will help the farmers to improve the
quality and quantity of crops therefore economic growth will be improved. This study will be helpful
to the farmers to know about the scope of precision irrigation technology to save the water and also
will make them aware of challenges for adopting precision irrigation systems.