Timeline of Timely Sowing & Precision Agriculture in India
|
Period |
Development / Innovation |
Relevance to Timely Sowing |
|
Ancient / Traditional |
Farmers relied on rain onset observation (clouds, winds, bird movement, soil moisture feel). |
Sowing depended on first monsoon showers. |
|
1900–1950s |
Early dryland research on rainfall analysis and sowing windows. |
Recognized need for matching sowing date with rainfall onset. |
|
1960s–1980s (Green Revolution) |
High-yielding varieties (HYVs) introduced. ICAR & State Universities promoted sowing calendars. |
Emphasis on fixed sowing dates for maximizing yield. |
|
1970s–1990s |
Establishment of AICRPDA (1972) & ICAR-CRIDA (1985) for dryland agriculture. |
Developed location-specific sowing windows based on length of growing period (LGP). |
|
2000s |
Weather-based Agro-Advisories (IMD, ICAR). |
Timely sowing linked with weather forecasting and rainfall monitoring. |
|
2010s–Present |
Precision Agriculture Tools (GIS, Remote Sensing, Agro-met models, Seed drills). |
GPS-guided sowing, zero-till seeders, and crop simulation models help achieve precision sowing windows. |
Precision Key Factors for Timely Sowing
Timely sowing in rainfed/dryland systems is critical for maximizing rainfall use, avoiding drought spells, and ensuring crop maturity within the growing season.
Rainfall Onset and Distribution
- Southwest monsoon (June–September) → Major rainfall season in India.
- Early sowing (with first monsoon showers) increases yield by 15–20% compared to late sowing.
- 50 mm rainfall in 2–3 days is generally considered sufficient for sowing dryland crops.
Soil Moisture at Sowing
- Seed-zone moisture must be adequate for germination.
- Zero-till or conservation-till ensures moisture retention for early sowing.
Length of Growing Period (LGP)
- Crops should be selected according to available LGP (defined by rainfall–evapotranspiration balance).
- Example:
- LGP < 90 days → Millets, pulses (short duration).
- LGP 90–150 days → Sorghum, maize, soybean.
- LGP > 150 days → Rice, cotton.
Crop and Variety Selection
- Early-maturing, drought-tolerant varieties help synchronize crop cycle with rainfall.
- Example: Short-duration pigeon pea (ICPL 88039), extra-early sorghum, soybean (JS 95-60).
Seedbed Preparation & Machinery
- Zero-till seed drills, seed cum ferti-drills, and planters allow fast and uniform sowing immediately after rains.
- Reduces delay caused by land preparation.
Weather Forecasting & Agro-Advisories
- IMD & ICAR-CRIDA issue medium-range weather forecasts (5–7 days).
- Helps farmers decide the best sowing window.
Precision Tools
- GPS-enabled machinery ensures uniform depth and spacing.
- Crop simulation models (DSSAT, WOFOST) predict optimum sowing windows under climate variability.
- Remote sensing & GIS map soil moisture and guide sowing time.
Key Facts for ASRB NET
- Timely sowing can increase yields by 15–20% compared to delayed sowing.
- In drylands, 50 mm rainfall in 2–3 days is the threshold to start sowing.
- Late sowing increases drought risk, exposes crops to terminal stress (moisture stress during grain filling).
- ICAR-CRIDA developed contingency crop plans for late/failed sowing conditions.
- In Indo-Gangetic Plains, zero-tillage wheat after rice saves 15–20 days, allowing timely sowing and higher yield.
