India is transforming its agricultural landscape with a high-tech eye in the sky. The Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar, or Nisar, is currently mapping the Indian landmass to provide high-resolution data every 12 days.
This mission is a game-changer for farmers and planners because it offers a 100-metre resolution map of soil moisture, a critical factor in determining crop health and water needs.
A 100-metre resolution map means that each individual pixel or data point on the image represents a square area of 100 metres by 100 metres on the actual ground.
Whether it is the rain-fed fields of Central India or the busy irrigation channels of the Indo-Gangetic plains, Nisar provides a clear picture of how much water is actually in the ground.
HOW DOES NISAR HELP INDIAN FARMERS?
The technology uses two different microwave frequencies, known as L-band and S-band.
While the L-band can see through thick leaves to measure moisture deep in the soil, the S-band provides incredible detail of the surface.
Together, they create a comprehensive digital diary of India’s water resources.
By providing updates twice every 12 days, this satellite allows for near-real-time tracking of drought risks.
The data is processed using advanced algorithms at the Space Applications Centre and is available to the public through the Bhoonidhi Portal.
This means that at 14:00 IST or any time of day, a researcher or a local government body can access precise information to plan irrigation schedules better.
It is about moving from guesswork to data-driven farming.
WHY IS 100-METRE RESOLUTION A BIG DEAL?
Most global soil maps are quite blurry, but Nisar zooms in to a 100-metre scale. This allows experts to see variability within a single district or even a large cluster of farms.
Currently, these products are being tested against ground sensors across various soil types to ensure they are 100 per cent accurate.
As India faces erratic monsoon patterns, having this national asset in orbit ensures that every drop of water is accounted for.
It is not just about science; it is about securing the nation’s food supply for the future.
With this high-resolution monitoring, India is better equipped than ever to handle the challenges of climate change and water management.
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