IOT IN PRECISION FARMING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Precision farming strives to improve the quality and volume of the agricultural yield with the use of modern technology. Internet of Things (IoT) can radically improve farm management with the assistance of a network of sensors, data handling systems, decision making software and remote control of farm appliances. IoT can not only help provide tailored solutions for specific farm requirements, but also allows for the optimal use of water along with the minimal use of chemicals on the crop. The natural disasters affecting the field can be predicted well in advance and the precautionary measures can be taken to protect the crop from damage. The use of IoT automates the entire process of agriculture with negligible human intervention. IoT can be applied to every phase of precision farming leading to a sustainable way of fulfilling the world’s food and fabric requirements. Although the capital investment and maintenance expenses involved in precision farming are high, they can be easily recovered by the improvement in profits within a very short period of time. Government initiatives to promote precision farming will propel more farmers to adopt this technologically advanced mode of farming to obtain greater yields and improved quality produce in an environmentally sustainable manner. Key Words: Precision Agriculture, IoT, Machine Learning, Agricultural Robots, GIS