The document discusses emerging researchable issues in Indian agriculture, including: 1) Producing more with less inputs through techniques like protected agriculture and soilless agriculture. 2) Protecting bio-resources like germplasm and addressing issues like post-harvest losses and soil degradation. 3) Providing safe and healthy food while maintaining a clean environment and developing professional networks between scientists and farmers.

1. Emerging Researchable Issues in
Indian Agriculture
A Discussion with FOCARS Probationers
SK Soam
ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad
sudhir.soam@icar.gov.in
sksoam@outlook.com

2. Produce More from less (Input use efficiency, soil less agriculture, protected
agriculture) e.g. Plant factory in China
Protect Bio-resources (germplasm/ genetic diversity); IPR; consumer
interests
Prevent Losses (Post harvest losses, food waste, fertile top soil loss, waste to
wealth, inappropriate use of resources); Environmental degradation
Provide Safe and healthy food (pesticide residues, hormones, antibiotics,
probiotics, biosecurity etc.); Clean environment (methane, residue
burning); Professional networks (scientists, farmers, scientist-farmers
i.e. GRAIN in Australia)/ FPO/ Commodity commissions/ Custom
hiring centers); Opinion platforms (GM communication, brand
building, technology promotion)

3. Promote Innovation; Knowledge networks (skill development, data-
information-knowledge conversion systems); Data Sharing
(Acquisition, validation, inter-operability, access; GIS data); Open
Access data; Waste to Wealth; Primary to Secondary agriculture
(research and platforms such as- TBI, Start up/ Acceleration/
venture capitalist)
Prediction Production trend (India and competitors- Australia for gram and
lentil); Price trend; Abiotic and biotic stresses; Advisories for farmers
and insurance companies
Population Young farmers; Changing food needs; Retain in agriculture or shift to
services; Type of farming; Cultural values (Italy train enquiry/ my
experience at Rome airport); New Zealand Kiwi fruit of sour type;
Population vs Density

4. Data to information and knowledge examples
• Uber Taxi- Geographical coordinates (data)/ integrating with
several physical and RS data sets (information about
historical places in Delhi)/ Integrating with processes and
technologies- Mobile app/GPS networks (knowledge- how to
reach from Delhi Airport to India Gate)
• PATH- artificial rice
• WSU, Pullman- Amplicon express
What happens with 5G??

5. Data Management (Gold and Platinum)
• Data led research governance
• Enhancing visualization capability related data and infrastructural
requirements
• Application of AI and IoT (image analysis, prediction services, soil health
(For soil health no requirement of lab analysis/ instant analysis through
physical contact and remote data). Tensorflow/ Plantix/PictureThis
• Precision agriculture (Agribots etc at Australia- University of Sydney)
• Knowledge management
• Acquisition from various sources
• Access to individuals, groups and consortia
• Allow free and unrestricted sharing
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