Smart Agriculture With a Human and Cultural Touch
Why in the news
An opinion piece argues that AI and subsidies should come with respect for farmers’ spiritual, emotional and ecological bonds with land.
Key facts
- Named schemes: PM-Kisan, PMKSY, Soil Health Cards, ZBNF, PKVY, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, e-NAM.
- Move from transactional subsidies to regenerative, inclusive systems.
- Water seen as sacred; conservation should blend infrastructure and cultural reverence.
- India resists GM crops to protect biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
Climate and technology
- ICAR’s resilient seeds and AI forecasts should empower communities.
- Tools like remote sensing and AI irrigation must suit smallholders.
Exam angle
- ZBNF and PKVY pair ancient wisdom with sustainability.
- Preferred over GM: agroforestry, carbon sequestration, organic farming.