Review of GPS-Based Monitoring Systems for Agricultural Custom Hiring Centres

Efficient utilization of agricultural machinery is essential for enhancing farm productivity, especially in countries like India, where most farmers are small and marginal. Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) provide access to costly machinery but often face challenges such as improper scheduling, underutilization, delays, and lack of real-time operational data. Integrating Global Positioning System (GPS)-based monitoring offers a promising solution to these issues. This study examines the application of GPS-enabled technologies to improve the operational efficiency of CHCs. GPS systems allow real-time tracking of machinery location, operational duration, travel paths, and idle times, providing accurate insights into usage patterns. Such data-driven monitoring supports optimal resource allocation, minimizes downtime, reduces fuel consumption, and enhances accountability by preventing misuse and ensuring transparency. Integration of GPS technology also facilitates better scheduling, timely service delivery, preventive maintenance, and cost reduction, ultimately maximizing machine utilization and economic viability. By enabling data-driven decision-making, GPS-based monitoring strengthens the sustainability and reliability of CHCs, transforming them into transparent, farmer-friendly service hubs and supporting national goals of increased mechanization and food security.