Sugandha Kashyap
Department of Aquaculture
College of Fisheries, Assam Agricultural University, Raha
Email ID- sugandha16kashyap@gmail.com
With over 51% land under cultivation and 46% of people employed, the agricultural sector is the dominant sector for India. Considering its GDP contribution of about 16% (Economic Survey 2024-25) and a growth rate lower than 2%, modernization and rational practices are a prime need of the hour.
The Indian space sector, with ISRO’s advanced space technologies, has emerged as a key enabler for rural India. Besides contributing to space dynamics and the cosmic world, ISRO has a key role to play in today’s rural transformation through the primary sector.
ISRO – Promoting Space Agriculture
AXIOM-4 mission: ISRO is leading a key project on superfoods in space (moong and fenugreek germination).
CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) Mission – A Leap in Space Farming: Developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), it is ISRO’s first biological experiment to grow plants in space under microgravity conditions. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) was the plant selected for the experiment due to its shorter germination time. ISRO successfully germinated cowpea seeds in just four days, marking a milestone in space farming.
ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY:
Crop monitoring and yield estimation can be done through satellite images, providing real-time data on cropping area, management, crop cycle stage, health, and damage.
Image source: Satellites for Indian Agriculture-Bharat Krishi Satellite Programme (available at: Satellites For Indian Agriculture-Bharat Krishi Satellite Programme – Officers Pulse
The Geographic Remote Sensing (GIS) data, remote sensing helps in planning the Public Distribution System (PDS), and eases export strategy management.
Farmers often face challenges to pest and disease management, which can significantly decrease Agricultural GDP. Using satellite data from ISRO can enable effective management of pest-affected areas, allow timely intervention, and minimize loss.
Soil health is the most crucial step for good productivity. Government initiatives like the Soil Health Card Scheme and Nutrient-based subsidy scheme use satellite data to analyse soil conditions like water retention, nutrient deficiencies, etc., and guide the farmers.
Satellite data can promote Precision Agriculture by optimizing inputs like irrigation, land use patterns, pest management, and monitoring crop health status.
IN WATER USE EFFICIENCY:
Around 65% of the total groundwater consumption is in the agriculture sector, and the irrigation cost is around 70% of the total input cost. Therefore, proper water use is crucial for farming. Satellite data monitors irrigated areas, ensuring optimal usage of water, reducing over-use. It also identifies areas of depleted groundwater for effective planning and restoration.
Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP): ISRO’s geospatial tools help monitoring and mapping of watershed areas, aiding in the conservation of natural resources.
KEY GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND ISRO’S CONTRIBUTION:
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): It is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, launched in 2016 for protecting the farmers from crop loss due to unforeseen natural calamities from pre-sowing to post-harvest and to provide adequate financial support to farmers in the event of loss of crops. ISRO’s satellite data helps in the assessment of crop damage, intensity of damage, and quick financial assistance to the farmers.
- Digital Agricultural Mission: The Digital Agricultural Mission is an initiative by the Government of India to leverage technology and data-driven solutions in agriculture. Launched for 2021–2025, it aims to promote smart farming practices and enhance productivity. Initiatives like AgriStack and Krishi Decision Support Systems integrate ISRO’s remote sensing data and real-time analytics.
- The National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System (NADAMS) aids in drought preparedness and facilitates taking timely measures with the help of satellite and real-time forecast data.
- Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) by ISRO provides flood alerts; similarly, satellites like INSAT focus on timely weather updates and disaster alerts for cyclones, storms, enhancing preparedness.
ROLE IN ALLIED SECTORS:
Aquaculture:
Promotes sustainable aquaculture through the management of water quality parameters like chlorophyll concentration, turbidity, and algal concentration with the help of satellite data. Geospatial data also allows proper site selection based on nutrient availability, production potential, and pollution levels.
Horticulture:
Hyperspectral imaging assesses plant health, enabling better production and increasing export potential. Satellite data also facilitates proper supply chain management of horticultural crops.
Space technologies have enhanced the farming sector through a proper data-driven network enabling real-time monitoring, planning, engagement, and preparedness. This has been a breakthrough in promoting agricultural advisory, planning of government schemes and initiatives, thus enhancing crop production.
References:
Anonymous (2023). Satellite Coverage of Agriculture Activities. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1944736#:~:text=Indian%20Space%20Research%20Organisation%20%28ISRO%29%20has%20launched%20Resourcesat,disease%20attacks%20and%20Agro-met%20services%20across%20the%20country (Retrieved on 30.06.2025).
Indian Space Research Organisation (2025) CROPS: A Leap in Space Biological Experiments CROPS: A Leap in Space Biological Experiments
Sudheer Kumar, N. (2025). ISRO’s Role in Rural Development. Kurukshetra, a Journal on Rural Development. https://www.publicationsdivision.nic.in/Journalarchives/Kurukshetra/Kurukshetra-English/2025/January/Kurukshetra-(English)-January%202025-final%20without%20price.pdf (Retrieved on 30.06.2025).
Anonymous (2025a). CROPS: A Leap in Space Biological Experiments, Indian Space Research Organisation, Department of Space. https://www.isro.gov.in/CROPS.html (Retrieved on 30.06.2025).
Anonymous (2025b). Wheat Crop Area and Production Estimation in India: A Pilot on Framework Development. Indian Space Research Organisation, Department of Space. https://www.isro.gov.in/Wheat_Crop_Area_and_Production_Estimation_in_India.html (Retrieved on 30.06.2025).
