Relevance:
Agriculture and related issues
Content:
The Union Cabinet has approved the Digital Agriculture Mission, with a total budget of 2,817 crore, which includes 1,940 crore as the central share. This initiative aims to revolutionize the agricultural sector in India by leveraging digital technology to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Historical Context
Original Planning: The mission was initially envisioned for the financial year 2021-22 but faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recent Announcements: The mission was announced in the Union Budgets of 2023-24 and 2024- 25.
Funding Breakdown
a. Total Outlay: 2,817 crore
b. Central Share: 1,940 crore
c. State and Union Territory Contributions: Remaining funds from respective states and UTs.
Objectives
The primary objective of the Digital Agriculture Mission is to establish a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the agriculture sector, akin to other successful e-governance initiatives such as Aadhaar, DigiLocker, eSign, UPI, and electronic health records.
Major Components of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
1. AgriStack
- A comprehensive digital platform that integrates various agricultural services.
- Facilitates access to information, services, and benefits related to farming and agricultural practices.
- Centralizes agricultural data to enhance accessibility and operational efficiency.
2. Krishi Decision Support System (DSS)
- Provides data-driven insights and recommendations to farmers.
- Aids in decision-making regarding crop management, pest control, and resource optimization based on real-time data.
- Utilizes advanced analytics to improve productivity and reduce risks.
3. Soil Profile Maps
- Produces detailed digital maps at a 1:10,000 scale, covering approximately 142 million hectares.
- Offers comprehensive information about soil characteristics and health.
- Supports precision agriculture by providing targeted soil data for optimal crop planning.
4. Additional Component
- Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES).
- A technology-based system designed to provide accurate estimates of agricultural production.
- Aims to deliver reliable data for policy decisions, agricultural planning, and resource allocation.
Impact on Farmers
The Digital Agriculture Mission will empower farmers by:
- Granting access to a variety of digital services.
- Improving decision-making through data analysis.
- Enhancing productivity with detailed soil information.
- Providing accurate crop estimations to better manage agricultural practices.
Timeline
- The mission will be rolled out across the country over the next two years, with completion expected by 2025-26.
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