Recently, the Union Cabinet Committee gave the green light to the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM), with a budget of Rs. 2817 crore, including Rs. 1940 crore from the central government. This initiative aims to transform India’s agricultural sector by integrating modern technology with traditional farming. This is important news for students attending UPSC classes in Thane or UPSC coaching in Thane, which shows how digital tools are being used to address real-world downturns in agriculture.
What is the Digital Agriculture Mission?
The Digital Agriculture Mission is all about using modern technologies like cloud computing, earth observation, remote sensing, and AI/machine learning to support agri-tech start-ups. It’s part of a larger effort to create digital public infrastructure, implement the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and support other IT i
initiatives by central and state governments, as well as research institutions. For students in UPSC MPSC classes in Thane, this initiative is a great example of how India is embracing digital transformation across sectors, especially agriculture.
Mission’s Goals and Impact
Let’s see what it is all about. DAM is about making India’s agriculture scenario smarter and more efficient. It aims to provide farmers with personalized digital services through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), offering them authenticated information about land holdings, crops, and more. With the introduction of ‘Kisan ki Pehchaan’, a digital farmer ID similar to Aadhaar, farmers will have easier access to various government schemes and support, helping them to know more about government schemes.
Three Pillars of the Digital Agriculture Mission
Agristack: The Farmer’s Digital Toolbox
Agristack is like a digital toolkit for farmers. It’s built collaboratively by various agencies and consists of:
Farmers’ Registry:
A digital directory of all farmers.
Geo-referenced Village Maps:
Digital maps that display crop details for every village.
Crop Sown Registry:
A digital ledger that tracks what crops are planted in specific areas.
Krishi Decision Support System (KDSS)
The KDSS is a system that helps farmers make better decisions. It provides crucial information on crops, soil, weather, and water resources, using data from satellite imagery and other sources.
Soil Profile Mapping
Soil Profile Mapping helps farmers to understand the specific properties of their land, such as moisture levels and nutrient content. This data is essential to incease accuracy in agriculture helping farmers to look into factors like irrigation, fertilization, and crop selection.
Why is the Digital Agriculture Mission Important?
Faster Access to Services:
DAM enables farmers to get government services and support more quickly, improving their access to essential resources.
Data-Driven Farming:
With AI-powered tools, farmers receive personalized advice and predictive insights, helping them make better decisions about what and when to plant.
Job Creation:
DAM is expected to create jobs for around 2.5 lakh local youth and Krishi Sakhis, driving both direct and indirect employment in agriculture.
Increased Resilience:
When disasters like pests or droughts strike, DAM acts as a digital early warning system, giving farmers the information they need to protect their crops.