Here’s how NASA-ISRO joint satellite NISAR predicts India's agricultural future
India has launched a special satellite called NISAR—the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. It was sent to space on July 30, 2025, and it is designed to help Indian farmers in a completely new way. Think of NISAR as a doctor for our land. Just like a doctor examines your body to know what is happening inside, this satellite examines our soil to understand how much water is present and how our land is changing. Every twelve days, it scans India's farmland and sends back detailed information that can help us grow better crops and save water.
NISAR works by using two different types of radar signals that work together. NASA provides something called L-band radar, which is like X-ray vision for the ground. This signal can pass through thick forests, plants, and soil layers to see what is happening deep below the surface. ISRO provides S-band radar, which is like a regular camera that gives clear details of what is on top. When both signals work together, they create a complete picture of our land. The satellite's large 12-metre antenna reflector, which looks like a huge wire mesh, opened up in space after launch. This antenna sends and receives radar signals, allowing the satellite to capture extremely clear images. The satellite orbits Earth in a special path called a 747 km Sun-synchronous polar orbit, which means it passes over the same spots on Earth at the same time each day.
The special feature that makes NISAR so powerful is something called 100-metre resolution mapping. This is an important concept to understand. Imagine dividing your entire neighbourhood into small square blocks, where each block is 100 metres long and 100 metres wide. The satellite measures the soil moisture in each of these blocks separately. Soil moisture simply means how much water is present in the soil. This information is incredibly useful because farmers can know exactly where their fields have enough water, where they need to add water, and where water might be wasted.
NISAR can scan a very wide area of about 240 kilometres in one single pass. This is possible because of something called SweepSAR technology. Because it covers such a huge area, the satellite can scan the entire Earth every twelve days. It sends new information twice within these twelve days, making it almost like having constant monitoring of our land's health.
The information collected by NISAR is being sent to the Space Applications Centre, where advanced computers analyse the data. The NISAR satellite-based maps and data products are currently being tested using ground sensors across different soil types to make sure they are accurate. These tests compare what the satellite says with actual measurements taken on the ground. After verification, this information is shared with people through something called the Bhoonidhi Portal, which is an online platform created by ISRO. Anyone can access this real data anytime they want. A farmer can check it at 2 PM or even at midnight. A government official can plan irrigation schedules using this actual information. A researcher can study water availability patterns across different regions.
NISAR is particularly important for India because our monsoons are becoming unpredictable. Sometimes we get too much rain, sometimes too little. Farmers currently make decisions based on experience and guesses, but NISAR gives them actual data. The satellite can help identify which areas might face drought before it actually happens. This warning system allows farmers and government officials to take action early.
Most soil maps available in the world are not very clear and detailed. NISAR's 100-metre view is much sharper than anything we had before. It can spot small changes in soil and water conditions even within a single district. This detailed information helps in planning irrigation better, saving water, and growing more food. By understanding water availability accurately, India can now manage its water resources wisely and prepare for climate change effects. NISAR represents the power of international cooperation, with America and India working together to protect India's agricultural future and food security.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or position of the publication, its editors, or its management. The publication is not responsible for the accuracy of any information, statements, or opinions presented in this piece.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Rajnath, Shah, other Union ministers change social media profile photos to 'Op Sindoor' logo
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other top ministers on Thursday changed the display pictures on their social media profiles to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor following a call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The prime minister, earlier in the day, shared a digital poster depicting the now widely recognised logo of Operation Sindoor and urged others to do the same as a mark of respect to the armed forces.
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, with Indian forces conducting precision strikes on multiple terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK).
After launching the military operation, the Indian Army, in a post on X, at 1:51 am on May 7 had said, "Justice is served. Jai Hind!"
On its first anniversary, the Indian military on Thursday said, Operation Sindoor -- "precise in action, eternal in memory" -- reflected the country's determination to defend its sovereignty with courage, coordination and strength.
The Army, the Navy, the Indian Air Force, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and the defence ministry also updated the display pictures on their social media profiles to mark the anniversary.
Defence Minister Singh, while updating his profile photo on X, said Operation Sindoor stands as a "powerful symbol" of national resolve and preparedness, and that their actions reflected unmatched precision, and set a "benchmark" for modern military operations.
"On the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, we salute the valour and sacrifices of our armed forces, whose courage and dedication continue to safeguard the nation. Their actions during the operation reflected unmatched precision, seamless jointness and deep synergy across services, setting a benchmark for modern military operations," he wrote.
"Operation Sindoor stands as a powerful symbol of national resolve and preparedness, showing that our armed forces are always ready to act decisively when it matters most. It also stands testament to India’s steady advance towards achieving #Atmanirbharta, enhancing capability while reinforcing resilience," he added.
The Ministry of External Affairs, led by its minister Jaishankar, also marked the anniversary, and reasserted and amplified India's diplomatic stand on this operation.
"A year ago, #OperationSindoor demonstrated the nation's resolve to defend itself against cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. With its decisive actions, India ensured accountability for terrorist actions. And underlined that such a serious threat to peace and security will be effectively countered. Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi, India stands strong and determined to convey a message of zero tolerance for terrorism," the EAM posted on X.
Earlier in a separate post, Jaishankar too changed his profile picture and posted an image of the Operation Sindoor logo on the timeline.
Home Minister Shah, in a post on X, said, "Operation Sindoor stands as an epochal mission of India that will always remind our enemies of the infallible striking power of our armed forces."
After Indian forces had launched the operation in the early hours of May 7, Pakistan later also launched offensives against India, and all subsequent counter-offensives by India were also carried out under Operation Sindoor.
The military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, lasting nearly 88 hours, halted after they reached an understanding on the evening of May 10.
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi and Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil too updated their profile photos.
The Indian Army in an early morning post wrote, "#OperationSindoor India's resolute response calibrated and precise. Committed to safeguarding sovereignty and its people. #JusticeServed Jai Hind".
It also shared a video clip encapsulating the circumstances that led to the decisive military action in the early hours of May 7 last year, as well as some footage offering a glimpse to the military might of India.
"India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers," PM Modi had earlier said in his address, whose excerpt is part of the widely shared clip.
Recalling the military action launched on the intervening night of May 6-7, the Indian Air Force put out the anniversary post on X at 1:05 AM.
"Operation Sindoor Justice served. Precise in action, eternal in memory-Operation Sindoor continues. India forgets nothing-India forgives nothing. #operation #Sindoor #operationsindoor #IAF," the IAF posted.
The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) also posted the anniversary message at 1:05 AM, saying, "Symbol of national resolve #OpSindoor JAI HIND #OpSindoor #indianarmedforces #NationalSecurity".
The Indian embassies in the US, the UK, Spain, France, Germany and Italy also updated their display pictures on their social media profiles.
The embassies in France, Germany, Spain and Italy posted on X in French, German and Italian, amplifying the message of the Indian leadership on Operation Sindoor's anniversary in the respective countries.
The Indian Embassy in the UK posted on X, "One year of #OperationSindoor A tribute to India’s resolve, unity, and unwavering stand against terrorism. Saluting the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces who protect the nation with pride and honor. #OpSindoor #IndiaAgainstTerrorism #IndianArmedForces #NationalSecurity #IndiaFirst #SaluteOurForces #JaiHind #OperationSindoorContinues".
The Indian embassy in Israel also changed its profile photo on X and reposted PM Modi's post, and the X account of the embassy in Iran too changed the display picture to the logo of Operation Sindoor.
The Indian Navy in an early morning post on X said Operation Sindoor reflected India's determination to defend its sovereignty with courage and strength.
"Nation's Resolve. Forces United In moments that test a nation's will, the Indian Defence Forces stand united - resolute in purpose, precise in action and unwavering in commitment. #OperationSindoor reflects India's determination to defend its sovereignty with courage, coordination and strength. #OpSindoor #NationFirst #IndianNavy @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @IAF_MCC," the Navy posted and changed its profile photo.
