Advancing climate-smart agriculture: The role of mechanization and technology in enhancing sustainability and productivity
Ritu Devi
This research paper examines the transformative potential of mechanization and technology in advancing Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) to mitigate climate change impacts and enhance sustainability. CSA addresses critical challenges like climate variability, resource scarcity, and food security. Mechanization, through innovative tools such as soil moisture sensors, N-sensors, and aerial remote sensing, enhances input efficiency and optimizes resource utilization, resulting in improved productivity and sustainability. Globally, mechanization levels vary significantly, with developed countries achieving rates of 75-95%, while India's rate is 40%, constrained by small, fragmented landholdings. Initiatives such as India's Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) highlight efforts to improve access to technology through custom hiring centers and local manufacturing. This study explores mechanization's role in seedbed preparation, irrigation, nutrient management, and plant protection, showcasing its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water, and minimizing chemical usage. Additionally, the integration of robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and autonomous systems in agriculture demonstrates significant potential to enhance productivity and resilience. However, barriers such as high costs, limited access, and insufficient training hinder adoption, especially among smallholder farmers. By examining government policies, technological advancements, and adoption patterns, this paper advocates for inclusive mechanization strategies tailored to smallholders. Promoting subsidies, training programs, and custom hiring centers can bridge accessibility gaps and ensure equity. The findings underscore that scaling climate-smart mechanization is critical for achieving a sustainable and food-secure future while addressing climate change impacts. Mechanization not only aligns agricultural practices with global sustainability goals but also fosters innovation, collaboration, and resilience in agricultural systems.
Ritu Devi. Advancing climate-smart agriculture: The role of mechanization and technology in enhancing sustainability and productivity. Int J Finance Manage Econ 2024;7(1):423-434. DOI: 10.33545/26179210.2024.v7.i1.491