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Utilizing Precision Technologies for Weed Control in Rainfed Agriculture

Weed management is a critical challenge in rainfed agriculture, where limited water availability amplifies competition between crops and weeds for essential resources. Traditional weed control methods, such as manual weeding or blanket herbicide application, are labour-intensive, environmentally harmful, and often ineffective in preventing herbicide resistance. Precision agriculture offers innovative solutions by integrating advanced technologies for efficient, targeted weed management. Key tools include remote sensing via satellites and drones, variable rate technology (VRT) for site-specific herbicide application, artificial intelligence (AI)-based weed identification, and autonomous weeding robots. These technologies enable timely weed detection, conserve water, reduce chemical use, and enhance crop yields. Despite challenges such as high initial costs, technical training requirements, and limited infrastructure in rainfed regions, the adoption of precision technologies has the potential to transform weed control practices. By minimizing resource wastage and mitigating environmental impacts, precision weed management offers a sustainable pathway for improving agricultural productivity and resilience in rainfed systems, ensuring long-term food security under changing climatic conditions. Weeds pose a significant challenge to agricultural productivity, particularly in rainfed farming systems where water availability is naturally limited. These non-crop plants compete with cultivated crops for essential resources such as water, light, nutrients, and space, ultimately reducing crop yield and quality. Conventional weed management strategies rely heavily on chemical herbicides and labour-intensive practices, both of which can harm the environment and lead to herbicide resistance. In response, precision agriculture technologies are emerging as innovative solutions to address weed control efficiently, sustainably, and economically.