Space technology to be tapped for farm sector

 
The State Government is about to tap the potential of space technology in a big way during the 11th Five Year Plan for the development of the trouble-torn agricultural production sector in the state. According to sources, the State Planning Board has allocated Rs.25 crore for the setting up of basic infrastructure facilities in this regard during the plan period. Establishment of a fullfledged Geographical Information system(GIS) unit is being mooted at the State Planning Board as part of the proposal.

Automatic weather stations with crop weather information system, weather advisory services, and implementation if weather insurance is envisaged in the second phase. Additional services like soil testing services, natural resource advisory services, tele training are also envisaged as a continuation of the Village resources Centres. It is also proposed to collaborate with ISRO in areas such as drought monitoring, hazard zonation, utility mapping, and establishment of spatial data infrastructure etc. during the plan period. The plan outlay for the same during 2007-08 fiscal year is Rs.20 lakh. The Village Resource Centres will be linked with local body computerization. 

       
(The New Indian Express, 7th March, 2007)