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.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
