What is GPS Farming? A Simple Guide for Every Modern Farmer

Farming is changing fast. Earlier, farming was done only by experience, hard work, and guessing. Today, new technology is helping farmers save time, fuel, and money. One such useful technology is GPS Farming.

GPS farming is becoming popular in India slowly. Many farmers have heard the name but do not fully understand what it is and how it helps. This guide explains GPS farming in very simple words, so anyone can understand it easily.

What is GPS Farming?

GPS farming means using GPS technology to do farming work more accurately.

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a system that uses satellites in the sky to show the exact location of a tractor or field on a screen.

In simple words, GPS farming helps farmers:

• Know the exact position of their tractor
• Work straight lines in the field.
• Avoid overlap and missed areas.
• Save diesel, time, and inputs
• GPS farming is also called precision farming.

How Does GPS Farming Work?

GPS farming works with the help of:

• GPS satellites in the sky
• A GPS device or screen in the tractor
• Sometimes sensors and software

When a tractor moves in the field, the GPS device shows its location on the screen. The farmer can see:

• Where the tractor has already worked
• Where work is still pending
• Whether lines are straight or not

Some systems also guide the tractor automatically.

What Equipment Is Used in GPS Farming?

GPS farming does not always mean very costly machines. There are basic and advanced systems.

Basic GPS Equipment

• GPS receiver
• Small screen inside the tractor
• Mobile app or simple display
• This is good for beginners.

Advanced GPS Equipment

• GPS with auto steering
• Sensors for soil and crops
• Software for data storage
• Large farmers and custom service providers mostly use this.

Uses of GPS Farming in Daily Agriculture

GPS farming can be used in many farm activities.

1. Ploughing and Field Preparation

GPS helps the tractor move in straight lines.

 No zig-zag movement.

 No overlapping.

 Field work becomes neat and even.

2. Sowing and Planting

With GPS:

• Seeds are sown at a proper distance
• Rows are straight
• No double sowing
• No space

This improves crop growth.

3. Fertiliser Application

GPS helps apply fertiliser only where needed.

• Saves fertilizer
• Reduces cost
• Improves soil health

4. Spraying Pesticides

GPS avoids double spraying.

• Less chemical use
• Better crop safety
• Lower expense

5. Harvesting

During harvesting, GPS helps:

• Cover the whole field properly
• Save time
• Reduce fuel use

Benefits of GPS Farming

GPS farming gives many benefits to farmers.

1. Saves Diesel

Because there is no overlap, fuel use reduces.

2. Saves Time

Field work finishes faster.

3. Reduces Input Cost

Less seed, fertiliser, and pesticide are wasted.

4. Improves Crop Yield

Proper sowing and spraying lead to better production.

5. Less Stress for Farmers

Driving becomes easier.

•  Less guessing.
•  Less tiredness.

Is GPS Farming Useful for Small Farmers?

Yes, GPS farming is useful for small farmers also.

Today, basic GPS systems are:

• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Available as mobile-based systems
• Even using GPS for sowing and spraying can save a good amount of money every season.
• Custom hiring centres also offer tractors with GPS.

GPS Farming and Indian Agriculture

In India, GPS farming is growing slowly due to:

• High initial cost
• Lack of awareness
• Fear of technology
• But things are changing.

Government schemes, agri-tech companies, and tractor brands are promoting GPS-based solutions. Many new tractors now come with GPS-ready systems.

In the coming years, GPS farming will become common in:

• Wheat
• Rice
• Cotton
• Sugarcane
• Vegetables

Difference Between Normal Farming and GPS Farming

• Normal Farming
• Guess-based work
• More overlapping
• More fuel use
• More wastage
• GPS Farming
• Accurate work
• Straight lines
• Less fuel
• Less wastage

GPS farming makes farming smarter, not harder.

Is GPS Farming Difficult to Learn?

No. GPS farming is easy to learn.

Most systems have:

• Simple screens
• Clear instructions
• Local language support

After 2–3 days of use, most farmers feel comfortable.

Training videos and dealer support are also available.

Cost of GPS Farming in India

The cost depends on the system.

• Basic GPS: Low cost
• Auto steering system: High cost

But remember:

• Savings in diesel
• Savings in fertilizer
• Better yield

Over time, GPS farming recovers its cost.

Future of GPS Farming

The future of GPS farming is bright.

In the coming years:

• GPS will be cheaper
• More tractors will have GPS
• Farming will be more data-based.
• Farmers will earn more with less waste.
• GPS farming is a big step toward smart farming.

Final Words

GPS farming is not something to fear. It is a tool to help farmers work better and smarter. Even small steps like GPS-guided sowing or spraying can make a big difference.

With rising fuel prices and input costs, GPS farming can help save money and improve crop output. It is slowly becoming an important part of modern agriculture.

Adopting GPS farming today means being ready for the future.

Farmers can also find complete and detailed information about tractors from top brands such as Swaraj, Mahindra, New Holland, VST, and Kubota, all in one place.