IIT Madras is exploring precision agriculture to reduce water use in the cultivation of rice and sugarcane, according to institute Director Professor V. Kamakoti. The initiative is linked to the institute’s Mission Pravartak, which focuses on technologies including sensors, networks and control systems.
The approach aims to give crops only the water they need. Soil sensors can monitor moisture levels, while drip irrigation can deliver measured amounts of water directly to plant roots. Satellite and drone imagery can also help identify areas of a field that require attention.
The focus is particularly important for rice, which requires large quantities of water under conventional cultivation. A study cited by India Today estimates that producing one kilogram of rice in India can require around 1,500 to 2,000 litres of water, with usage rising further in heavily irrigated states such as Punjab and Haryana.
IIT Madras is also looking at methods such as alternate wetting and drying, which allows paddy fields to dry partially between irrigation cycles instead of remaining continuously flooded. Such methods could help reduce water consumption without significantly affecting yields.
With India facing growing pressure on groundwater resources, precision agriculture could help make farming more water-efficient while supporting food production. Mission Pravartak has already explored the use of artificial intelligence for precision agriculture through collaborations and workshops.
