Technology-Driven Crop Monitoring System

Technology-Based Crop Monitoring Systems in India

Modern Technologies Utilized

• Technologies Involved: Satellite, Drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Internet of Things (IoT).

Key Government Initiatives

1. Remote Sensing & GIS:

   • Provides pre-harvest production estimates for 11 major crops across 20 states using multi-spectral and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data.
   • Monitors disaster impacts, soil moisture, drought conditions, and flood assessments.

2. Agriculture Decision Support System:

   • Integrates geospatial and non-geospatial data to assist in evidence-based decision-making.
   • Aids in crop mapping, drought/flood monitoring, and crop insurance claims through technology-driven yield assessments.

3. Yes-Tech Initiative:

   • Under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), this involves satellite-based yield estimation for paddy, wheat, and soybean at the village level.
   • Implemented in 12 states.

4. Winds Program:

   • A national initiative under PMFBY to enhance weather data infrastructure with automated weather stations (AWS) and rain gauges at block and village levels.
   • Operational in 7 states.

Drone Usage in Agriculture

• Support for Farmers: Under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), financial assistance is provided for drone purchases:

  • 50% subsidy for Northeast agricultural graduates and small/marginal farmers.
  • 40% subsidy for other farmers.
  • 2,122 drones approved/distributed.

• 'Namo Drone Didi' Scheme: Provides rental drone services for agricultural applications, distributing 1,094 drones to selected women self-help groups (SHGs).

AI Applications

• National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS):

  • Utilizes AI and machine learning for pest outbreak detection, covering 436 pests across 73 crops.
  • Provides advisory services to farmers through pest imagery.

• India Extension:

  • An AI-based Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) platform serving over 590,000 farmers, addressing 9.3 million queries regarding government schemes, agricultural assistance, weather forecasts, and more.

Farmer Advisory Platforms

• Kisan Sarthi: ICT platform developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with over 29.7 million registered farmers, providing crop-specific advisories.

Digital Agriculture Initiatives

• AgriStack Project: Integrates various services for efficient delivery, including direct benefit transfers (DBT) under PM-Kisan, minimum support price (MSP) procurement, fertilizer booking, and timely claim settlements under PMFBY.

• Real-Time Data Utilization: Digital crop survey data generates near real-time crop production estimates, enhancing transparency and efficiency in agricultural planning.

National Natural Farming Mission

• Georeferencing of natural farms/groups is being conducted through the Krishi Mapper application to support sustainable farming practices.

Economic and Policy Highlights

• Financial Support: The government provides various subsidies and financial assistance to enhance the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and practices.
• Efficient Delivery of Services: The integration of digital services aims to improve the efficiency and targeting of benefits to farmers, facilitating better access to agricultural resources and information.

These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to leveraging technology for enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and supporting farmers through modernized practices and systems.