DIGITAL AGRICULTURE MISSION -AGRICULTURE

News: Launch of Rs 2800 crore Digital Agri Mission part of govt’s agenda for first 100 days

 

What's in the news?

       The Indian government has launched the Digital Agri Mission, a flagship program aimed at transforming the agricultural sector through digital technology.

 

Key takeaways:

       With an outlay of Rs 2800 crore, this mission is a key component of the government’s agenda for the first 100 days.

 

Digital Agriculture Mission:

       A Digital agriculture mission has been initiated for 2021-2025 by the government for projects based on new technologies like artificial intelligence, block chain, remote sensing and GIS technology, use of drones and robots etc.

       The Agriculture value chain extends from crop selection to crop management and the market; it involves public and private players in agricultural inputs and services and also logistics.

       Establishing a digital ecosystem of agriculture needs to take a long-term view of aspects like interoperability, data governance, data quality, data standards, security and privacy, besides promoting innovation.

 

Objectives:

       Enhance crop yields through precise farming techniques.

       Encourage the development of Agri-tech startups.

       End hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture.

       Improve farmers socio-economic status.

       Increase agriculture productivity and contribution to GDP.

       Promote digitization in Indian agriculture.

       Provide farmers with informative services to make farming profitable and sustainable.

       Support projects based on new technologies like AI, block chain, remote sensing, GIS technology, drones, and robots.

       To create a unified platform for farmers to provide them with services across the agriculture food value chain.

 

Key Components:

1. Digital Land Record System:

       A digital platform for maintaining land records and ensuring secure ownership rights.

2. Farmers Database:

       A comprehensive database of farmers, capturing details such as landholding, crop cultivation, and income.

 

3. Soil Health Card Scheme:

       A scheme providing soil health cards to farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions about fertilizers and crop selection.

 

4. Crop Insurance Scheme:

       An insurance scheme protecting farmers from crop failures and natural calamities.

 

5. Digital Agricultural Marketplace:

       An online platform connecting farmers with buyers, processors, and exporters.

 

Implementation and Challenges:

1. Limited Digital Literacy among Farmers:

       Inadequate internet connectivity in rural areas

 

2. Data Privacy and Security Concerns:

       Integration with existing agricultural schemes and programs must be addressed to ensure the success of this mission.

 

Significance of the Mission:

       Enhanced agricultural productivity and efficiency.

       Improved farmers income and livelihoods.

       Increased transparency and accountability in agricultural governance.

       Strengthened agricultural extension services.

       Encouragement of private sector investment in agriculture.