08-November-2024-Editorial

FIRST ADVANCE ESTIMATES FOR KHARIF CROP PRODUCTION 2024-25: HIGHLIGHTS AND INITIATIVES

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare recently released the First Advance Estimates for the Kharif crop production for 2024-25.

This report demonstrates a record-breaking achievement in foodgrain and oilseed production, highlighting the government’s increasing reliance on technology and collaborative planning to boost agricultural outcomes.

Key Highlights of Kharif Crop Production Estimates

Introduction of Digital Crop Survey (DCS)

• For the first time, the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) under the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) was implemented to calculate crop area in four states: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha.
• This digital method replaces the traditional Girdawari survey, making crop area estimates more efficient and accurate.

Record Production in Foodgrains

• The projected Kharif foodgrain output for 2024-25 is set at 1647.05 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT).
• This marks an increase of 89.37 LMT compared to the previous year and is 124.59 LMT above the average Kharif output, driven by strong yields in crops like rice, jowar, and maize.

Implications of Increased Production

• Food Security: The robust production of key crops helps bolster food security by providing a stable supply for domestic use and potential exports.
• Economic Impact: Higher agricultural yields support rural income, help stabilize crop prices, and contribute positively to the agricultural GDP.
• Policy Planning: Data-driven estimates assist policymakers in creating targeted agricultural support programs and enhancing supply chain efficiency.

Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM): Transforming Indian Agriculture

The Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) seeks to revitalize agriculture through technological solutions and data-driven insights. With an allocated budget of Rs. 2,817 crore, this mission aims to modernize farming practices, make processes more transparent, and improve farmers’ access to essential resources.

Key Components of DAM

AgriStack: A Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) aimed at centralizing farmer information and land data.

1. Farmers’ Registry: Maintains a record of farmers, similar to Aadhaar IDs, which includes personal and land data.
2. Geo-referenced Village Maps: Provides detailed maps of agricultural lands.
3. Crop Sown Registry: Tracks which crops are planted and where, assisting in effective agricultural planning.

Pilot Projects: Launched in six states (Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu) to test the creation of Farmer IDs and the Digital Crop Survey.

Digital Targets:

• Aim to create digital IDs for 11 crore farmers over three years (6 crore in FY 2024-25, 3 crore in FY 2025-26, and 2 crore in FY 2026-27).
• Nationwide rollout of DCS across 400 districts by FY 2024-25 and all districts by FY 2025-26.

Supporting Technologies and Tools

• Krishi Decision Support System (DSS): A geospatial tool that uses data on soil, weather, water, and crops to provide real-time, data-based insights for farmers.
• Soil Profile Mapping: High-resolution soil maps improve understanding of soil health, supporting sustainable farming practices.
• Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES): Utilizes advanced technology to ensure accurate crop yield estimates, aiding in productivity and better policy formulation.

Benefits of the DAM Initiative

• Enhanced Transparency: Accurate data streamlines processes for crop insurance, loan approvals, and government benefits.
• Improved Disaster Response: Detailed crop maps allow for faster disaster response, aiding relief and insurance claim processing.
• Targeted Support: Farmers receive real-time advice on pest management, irrigation, and crop health, tailored to their specific needs.
• Job Creation: The DAM is expected to generate approximately 2,50,000 jobs for skilled rural youth.

This comprehensive shift towards digital agriculture reflects India’s commitment to modernize the agricultural sector, improve productivity, and empower farmers with better resources and information.