Digital Agriculture Mission explained for UPSC On September 2, the Union Cabinet approved the Rs 2,817-crore Digital Agriculture Mission aimed at creating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the agricultural sector. This initiative follows the success of similar e-governance projects like Aadhaar and UPI.

OBJECTIVES

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):

  • The DPI Mission will integrate advanced technology into agriculture, including 3 major components:
i. AgriStack, ii. Krishi Decision Support System (DSS), iii. Soil Profile Maps.
  • The mission will also establish the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES) for accurate agricultural production estimates.

COMPONENTS

1. AgriStack:

  • Farmers’ Registry:
    • Purpose: Create a digital identity for farmers, similar to Aadhaar, to centralize information on land ownership, crops, livestock, and demographics.
    • Implementation: Farmers will receive a digital ID that links to a comprehensive database containing their personal and agricultural details. This system aims to simplify interactions with government schemes and services.
    • Pilot Projects: Trials have been conducted in districts such as Farrukhabad (Uttar Pradesh) and Gandhinagar (Gujarat). The goal is to create digital IDs for 11 crore farmers, with 6 crore targeted in the current financial year and the rest in subsequent years.
    • Funding: Rs 5,000 crore has been allocated separately for state incentives to develop the Farmers’ Registry.
  • Crop Sown Registry:
    • Purpose: Track and record crop planting information through digital surveys.
    • Method: Mobile-based ground surveys will be used to gather data each crop season. This registry will help in assessing crop patterns and planning agricultural policies.
    • Pilot Projects: Conducted across 11 states in 2023-24, with plans to expand to 400 districts in the current financial year and the rest in 2025-26.
  • Geo-referenced Village Maps:
    • Purpose: Link geographic data with land records to provide accurate mapping of agricultural areas.
    • Details: These maps will integrate land records with physical locations, improving land management and agricultural planning.

2. Krishi Decision Support System (DSS):

  • Purpose: Develop a geospatial system that integrates information on crops, soil, weather, and water resources.
  • Features:
    • Crop Mapping: Generate detailed crop maps to identify planting patterns and monitor agricultural trends.
    • Disaster Monitoring: Track droughts, floods, and other environmental factors affecting crops.
    • Yield Assessment: Use data to estimate crop yields, aiding in insurance claims and policy formulation.

3. Soil Profile Maps:

  • Purpose: Create detailed soil maps to enhance soil management and agricultural productivity.
  • Details:
    • Scale: Maps will be produced on a 1:10,000 scale, covering 142 million hectares of agricultural land.
    • Progress: A soil profile inventory of 29 million hectares has already been completed, with further mapping underway.

DIGITAL GENERAL CROP ESTIMATION SURVEY

  • Purpose: Improve the accuracy of crop yield estimates to support agricultural policies and services.
  • Features:
    • Data Collection: Use scientifically designed crop-cutting experiments and remote sensing data to estimate yields.
    • Benefits: Provide accurate data for Minimum Support Price (MSP)-based procurement, crop insurance, and credit-linked loans. Facilitate balanced use of fertilizers and improve irrigation practices.

FUNDING & IMPLEMENTATION

  • Budget Allocation: Rs 2,817 crore allocated, with Rs 1,940 crore from the central government and the remainder from state governments and Union Territories (UTs).
  • Timeline: The mission will be rolled out over 2 years, concluding in 2025-26. Originally planned for 2021-22, the launch was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Current Status: Pilot projects are in progress, and the mission is part of the Agriculture Ministry’s goals for the first 100 days of the Modi government’s third term.

IMPACT ON FARMERS & AGRICULTURE

  • Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined access to services and benefits through digital platforms will reduce paperwork and physical visits.
  • Improved Data Accuracy: Better crop estimates and soil profiles will support more effective agricultural policies and resource management.
  • Empowerment: Digital tools will empower farmers with accurate information and services, leading to better decision-making and increased productivity.