This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these cutting-edge techniques, exploring
their principles, applications, and future prospects.
In the introductory chapters, we delve into the foundational concepts of precision farming, elucidating
the significance of laser leveling, mechanization, and site-specific application mapping in optimizing
horticultural production. We then embark on a journey into the realm of remote sensing and GIS,
exploring their role in revolutionizing agriculture by enabling data-driven decision-making and
resource management.

As we delve deeper, we uncover the intricacies of weed, pest, and disease management through
precision farming, highlighting innovative strategies to minimize losses and enhance crop health.
Through yield and quality mapping, we gain insights into optimizing productivity and ensuring the
delivery of premium-quality produce to the market. Transitioning to the realm of protected
cultivation, this book explores the importance, current status, and future prospects of greenhouse and
polyhouse technologies in India. From the selection of cladding materials to the intricacies of
irrigation systems and drip irrigation installation.
This book also highlighted the detailed insights into cultivation practices, growing media, and soilless
culture systems of crops such as capsicum, cucumber, tomatoes, watermelons, and gerbera. This book
is intended as a comprehensive guide for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of
agriculture, horticulture, and allied sectors. It is our hope that the insights and knowledge presented
within these pages will inspire and empower readers to embrace precision farming and protected
cultivation as essential tools in shaping the future of agriculture. The authors are sincerely
acknowledging the contribution of authors and publisher whose publication are used while preparing
this manuscript.
May this book serve as a beacon of knowledge, guiding us towards a future of sustainable, efficient,
and bountiful agricultural production.

Dr. Umesh Thapa, M. Sc. (Ag.), Ph.D., Post-Doc (Italy) in Vegetable Science, is a Professor, Former
Head & Former Dean Student’s Welfare in the Department of Vegetable Science, Faculty of
Horticulture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswaidyalaya, Mohanpur, West Bengal, India. At present he is
holding the post of Director of Extension Education in the viswavidyalaya. He has a brilliant
academic career and has professional experience of more than 29 years in teaching, research and
extension in Vegetable Science. His field of expertise is Production & seed production technology of
vegetable crops and soilless technology of High value vegetables. He has develop a package and
practices of producing High value vegetables crops under hydroponic/ soilless culture systems with
respect of suitable varieties , different substrates and nutrient solution He is actively engaged in

teaching post graduate courses in Faculty of Horticulture and undergraduate courses in Faculty of
Agriculture, Faculty of Horticulture and Faculty of Agriculture Engineering. He has guided 26 M. Sc.
(Hort.) students and 13 Ph.D. students. He has experiences of supervising a 16-research project as
Principal Investigator and Co- Principal Investigator financed by different governmental organization
and private sectors. He was awarded Postdoctoral fellowship from Government of Italy and has
successfully completed his post-doctoral research on Soilless Culture in Vegetables from University
of Turin, Italy. He gives rendered services as a Resource person in several orientation courses on
awareness programme on several commercial vegetables including High value vegetable crops and
Participated as an expert in agricultural/ horticultural related broadcasting programme in All India
Radio, Durdarshan, Kolkata and Kurseong. He has so far published 90 research papers in National
and International journal of repute, 3 book chapters, 8 teaching practical manuals and number of
popular articles. Dr. U. Thapa is also the author of 12 numbers of books in Horticulture. Dr. Thapa
received Life Time Achievement Award during the International conference on “protected cultivation
and Digital Agriculture” by SHUATS, Prayagraj held on 29th -30th November , 2023 . He also
Received Eminent Scientist Award 2023 in the field of Vegetable Science by AETDS at Sher-e-
Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Techonology , Srinagar . Dr. Thapa Received
Eminent Professor Award 2022 by International Multidisciplinary Research Foundation . Prof. Thapa
received Outstanding Scientist Award in the International Scientist Awards on Engineering, Science
and Medicine, held on 22&23rd, October, 2021, Hyderbad, India organized by VDGOOD Professional
Association. Prof Thapa He has Received Bharat Jyoti Award by India International Friendship
Society in a seminar on Economic Growth & National Integration at New Delhi on 12th, November,
2021. Prof. Thapa has received “Bharat Vikas Award” from Institute of Self Reliance , Bhubaneswar
for Loyalty, Diligence & outstanding Performance in the field of Development optimization of
production technology on Vegetables on the occasion of National Seminar “Diversity of culture &
Social Environment” held at Bhubaneswar on November 19th , 2017. He has also Received “Eminent
Scientist Award” from Samgra Vikas Welfare Society, Lucknow during the “National Seminar on
Famer Centric Cinema” held at Indira Gandhi Pratisthan, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, and Uttar Pradesh
on October 13-15, 2017. Dr. Thapa also Received “ Achiever Award-2016 from Society for
Advancement of Human and Nature (SADHNA) Dr.YSParmar University of Horticulture and
Forestry Nauni, Solan . He has also received Award for Excellence in Research during 4th Academic
Brilliance Awards-2016. Prof. Thapa received prestigious Distinguished Scientist Awrad during
VIFRA -2015 from Venus International Foundation. Received Certificate of Recognition from
Scientific Federation for worthy Keynote presentation during “International Congress and expo on
Agriculture & Horticulture ’’ held during August 13-14 , 2018 at Amsterdam , Netherland. He is a
life member, reviewer and editor board members of various reputed scientific societies and journals
and has been examiner in different universities. He has received Reviewer Excellence Award as
Reviewer of Indian Journal of Agricultural Research & Legume Research from the Editors of ARCC
Journal. Prof. Thapa is Chief Editor of E- News letter Krishi Udyan Darpan ( Innovative Sustainable
Farming) published by Society of Advancement in Agriculture , Horticulture and Allied Sectors,
SAAHAS, Allahabad. He has so far visited Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri
Lanka, Netherland, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Belgium on academic mission.
Mr. Narendra Nath Hansda is a dedicated research scholar in the Department of Vegetable Science
at the Faculty of Horticulture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, located in Mohanpur, Nadia,
West Bengal, India. His educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya and completed in 2018. Building upon this foundation, he
pursued a Master’s degree in Horticulture with a specialization in Vegetable Science, which he
successfully obtained from BCKV in 2020.
His academic achievements extend beyond his degrees. He excelled in the AICE-JRF/SRF
(Ph.D.)-2020 examination, earning a Senior Research Fellowship at IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. In
addition, he showcased his expertise by clearing the ASRB/ICAR-NET-2021 and ASRB/ICAR-NET-
2023 examination in Vegetable Science.
He is also awarded NFST fellow from MoTA, Govt. of India for pursuing his research work.
He is also participated in All India Inter Agricultural Universities Sports & Games Meet 2018-19 at
Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana and 2022-23 at Chaudhary Charan Shing Haryana

Agriculture University, Hisar. His area of specialization lies in underexploited vegetable crops and
soil-less culture in leafy vegetable crops.
With a passion for contributing to the field, he has published several research papers in
esteemed national and international journals. Mr. N. N. Hansda is also the author of book entitled
“Instant Objective Vegetable Science”. His dedication to advancing knowledge in vegetable science is
further demonstrated by his active participation in numerous national and international conferences.
Currently, his research focuses on NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) and growing media for
vegetable crops. His work aims to explore innovative and sustainable methods for optimizing the
growth and productivity of these crops.
Mr. Subhadeep Karak is a passionate agronomist with a solid back ground in climate smart
agriculture, GHG emissions, nutrient management, precision farming and remote sensing
applications. The author is belonging from West Bengal, India and currently employed as a Research
Fellow at the Indian Space Research Organization - National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad
under Dept. of Space, Govt, of India. Mr. Karak is experienced in leveraging remote sensing data to
optimize resource allocation, mitigate risks and enhances decision making process for sustainable
management of soil resources, land use mapping and agricultural practices. The author embarked on
his academic journey, obtaining an impressive 90.7% in his Matriculation examination, and furthered
his educational pursuits at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyabhavan for his 10+2 studies, where he
achieved an outstanding grade of 91.4%. His thirst for knowledge and passion for agricultural
sciences led him to Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, W.B. where he pursued his
undergraduate and postgraduate studies. He has completed his Bachelor’s degree in agricultural
Sciences with distinction (2020) and continued to excel in his master’s program in Agronomy,
graduating with an impressive 8.93 CGPA (2022). Additionally, he is in the process of pursuing a
Ph.D., further solidifying his commitment to advancing agricultural sciences.
Just at the onset of his career, Subhadeep has already garnered recognition for his research
contributions, having authored numerous research papers, popular articles, booklets, and bulletins
published by reputed peer-reviewed journals, esteemed organizations, and prestigious societies.
Subhadeep dedication to academic excellence and research has earned him prestigious awards,
including the Best M.Sc. Thesis Award from the Society for Advancement in Agriculture,
Horticulture, and Allied Sectors (SAAHAS) and “Young Agriculturist Award” during the
International conference on “protected cultivation and Digital Agriculture” at SHUATS, Prayagraj.
The author also received the best oral presentation award and served as a rapporteur in numerous
seminars, conferences, workshops, and training programs, further enhancing his knowledge and
expertise in the field. The author also graced various platforms with his insightful discourse, serving
as a distinguished speaker on Doordarshan Live, professional courses, and training programs, offering
his invaluable insights and expertise. He serves as an Executive Body Member and Manuscript Editor
for the magazine “Krishi Udyan Darpan,” leveraging his prior experience as a student representative
for the university periodical magazine “Krishi Bidhan”. Beyond his academic and professional
endeavors, Mr. Karak is also actively engaged in extracurricular pursuits, serving as a prominent
representative of the university in national exhibitions and youth festivals, particularly excelling in
theatre, elocution, and debate.
Dr. Pradyumna Tripathy, M.Sc (Ag.) in Horticulture and Ph.D. in Vegetable Crops, presently
working as a Head & Professor, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture under
Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha has a brilliant academic career
standing first in all the examinations. He is now offering various courses on Vegetable Science at
Graduate, Post graduate and PhD levels. Dr. P.Tripathy also successfully handled 100% ICAR
Sponsored project “All India Network Research Project on Onion & Garlic” as Principal
Investigator from 2008-09 to 2012-13.
He has an excellent experience of 29 years in the field of research, extension and teaching in Odisha
University of Agriculture & Technology as Junior Scientist (Horticulture), Training Associate
(Horticulture), Programme Coordinator in KVK and now as Professor contributing to University’s
triple mandate of Teaching, Research and Extension.

As a teacher, he has taught more than 15 different courses in Fruits and Vegetable Science to the
undergraduate students of both B.Sc (Agriculture) and B.Sc (Horticulture), M.Sc(Ag) in Vegetable
Science as well as PhD in Vegetable Science. He delivered several lectures in the Trainer’s Training
Programme and Farmers’ Training programme as a master trainer to State Government Officials,
NGO workers and farmers. He also delivers radio and TV talks on various aspects of vegetable crops.
He has published 148 research papers in various National & International reputed journals. He has
also published 06 practical manuals for B.Sc (Hort.) students, 2 book chapters on organic farming in
vegetable crops. He also attended a number of International and National seminars, symposiums and
workshops.
The author is the life member of several professional bodies and societies and has been examiner in
different universities. Dr P. Tripathy is also the author of seven books namely, “Organic Farming in
India: Problems & Prospects” by U.Thapa & P.Tripathy; “Production Technology of Tropical & Sub-
Tropical Vegetable Crops” by U.Thapa & P.Tripathy; “Production Technology of Temperate
Vegetables” by U.Thapa & P.Tripathy, “Physiological disorders & Mineral deficiency of Vegetables”
by U. Thapa & P.Tripathy; “Glimpse of Vegetable Science -Edited by U.Thapa & P.Tripathy” ;
“Glimpses of Horticulture” – Edited by U.Thapa, P.Tripathy and C.P.Suresh and “Production
Technology of Potato & Tuber Crops” – Edited by Umesh Thapa, Reva Mondal and P.Tripathy.
Production Technology of Underexploited Vegetables by U.Thapa, P.Tripathy and A. Upadhyay .
Dr. Suman Nandi is a distinguished figure in the field of horticulture, with a rich academic
background and extensive professional experience. Holding a B.Sc. in Horticulture from Uttar Banga
Krishi Biswa Vidyalaya, Dr. Nandi pursued further studies at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa
Vidyalaya, where he obtained both his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees specializing in Vegetable Science.
Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Nandi has showcased a remarkable dedication to
research and scholarship. His contributions to the field are evidenced by the publication of numerous
papers in esteemed international journals, where his work has contributed significantly to advancing
knowledge in horticulture. Dr. Nandi’s expertise and insights have also been sought after in academic
circles, leading him to participate actively in seminars and symposiums, where he has shared his
research findings and engaged in discussions with fellow experts.
Currently serving as the Assistant Director of Horticulture for the Government of West
Bengal, Dr. Suman Nandi plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing policies related to
horticultural development in the region. His leadership and expertise are instrumental in driving
initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring
food security.

Dr. Nandi’s commitment to excellence in horticulture, coupled with his
scholarly achievements and professional contributions, underscores his status as a respected authority
in the field. His work continues to inspire and empower individuals within the agricultural
community, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of horticultural research and practice in West
Bengal and beyond.