Information Technology in Agriculture: Govt's Digital Strategies to Revolutionize Indian Agriculture

In a landscape undergoing rapid digitization, the agricultural sector is embracing technology's transformative potential. Farmers, armed with information technologies, are stepping into a realm of increased awareness and efficiency. The Government has embarked on a journey of digital initiatives to provide technology and information access across the nation, propelling agriculture into the future.

National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A): Pioneering Modern Technologies

The National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A) stands as a testament to the Government's commitment to modernising agriculture through cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotics, Drones, Data Analytics, and Blockchain. Collaborating with states and union territories, this initiative fosters development by funding projects that leverage these technologies for innovative solutions.

- Development funds are allocated to states for technological projects.
- Solutions leveraging AI, ML, robotics, drones, data analytics, and blockchain are pursued.
- Crop survey using digital methods launched in 12 states for enhanced accuracy.

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Revolutionizing Agriculture Information Services

To foster inclusive and farmer-centric solutions, the Government is crafting a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture. This open-source, open-standard, and interoperable platform aims to provide farmers with critical information services for crop planning, access to inputs, credit, insurance, crop estimation, and market intelligence. Notable steps taken include:

- Finalization of core registries for farmers, village mapping, and crop sown.
- Implementation of digital crop survey on a pilot basis in 12 states.
- Collaboration with Pixxel Space India for hyperspectral data applications.

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Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM): Empowering Small Farmers

The Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) launched in 2014 aims to empower small and marginal farmers with advanced farming equipment and technologies. By promoting custom hiring centers, disseminating agricultural equipment, and raising awareness through demonstrations and capacity-building activities, SMAM aims to bring the benefits of mechanization to the grassroots.

National Agriculture Market (e-NAM): Unifying Agricultural Trade

The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal connecting Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis, creating a unified national market for agricultural commodities. This platform provides digital services to traders, farmers, and Mandis through various modules, ensuring transparency and efficiency in trading.

Empowering Farmers Digitally: PM-KISAN Scheme and More

Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, farmers receive direct benefit transfers, enabling self-registration and viewing beneficiary statuses through the PM-KISAN Mobile App. Face authentication has been incorporated for added security.

Strengthening Infrastructure: Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is pivotal in enhancing post-harvest management and community farming assets. Through digital channels, financial assistance is provided via interest subvention and credit guarantee mechanisms to entities such as farmers, PACS, FPOs, SHGs, and State Agencies/APMCs.

Technology at the Core: National Mission on Horticulture and Soil Health

The National Mission on Horticulture and the National Project on Soil Health and Fertility deploy technology to bolster sector growth. Soil health cards aid farmers in addressing nutrient deficiencies, while the HORTNET project streamlines financial assistance under the MIDH.

Innovations in Crop Insurance: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana introduces new technological initiatives, including YES-Tech for yield estimation and the WINDS portal for hyper-local weather data. The AIDE app facilitates door-to-door enrollment, enhancing accessibility to crop insurance for farmers.

Empowering Farmers through Mobile Apps: ICAR's Contribution

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed over 100 mobile apps, covering diverse areas such as crops, horticulture, veterinary, dairy, poultry, fisheries, and natural resources management. These apps deliver valuable insights, including practice guidelines, market prices, weather information, and advisory services.

Kisan Sarathi: ICAR's Digital Multimedia Platform

ICAR's digital multimedia platform, "Kisan Sarathi," is harnessed by 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras nationwide to provide farmers with advisory services. This initiative further bridges the gap between information and agricultural practices.

As the digital wave sweeps across the agricultural landscape, farmers are stepping into a future powered by information, innovation, and empowerment. The Government's strategic initiatives stand as pillars of progress, promising a brighter tomorrow for India's agricultural sector.

Also Read: 15th Instalment of PM-KISAN Scheme: Release Date, Application Process, & Checking Status