Key Takeaways
- The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and ISRO are utilizing space technology to improve agricultural practices in India.
- Key initiatives include the FASAL project for crop forecasting and enhanced drought monitoring systems.
- Space technology is also integrated into the PMFBY for accurate crop insurance settlements.
FASAL Project Enhancements
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is leveraging space technology to revolutionize agriculture in India. The initiative focuses on improving agricultural planning, crop forecasting, drought monitoring, and crop insurance. Central to these efforts are the FASAL project and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
The FASAL project, which stands for Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land-based Observations, plays a vital role in predicting yields for major crops such as rice, wheat, and cotton. By combining satellite imagery with agro-meteorological and ground-based data, this project significantly enhances the accuracy and timeliness of yield forecasts.
Advancements in Drought Monitoring
To address drought conditions, the Ministry has launched a Geoportal in collaboration with ISRO’s Space Applications Centre. This portal consolidates various drought indicators, including rainfall data, soil moisture levels, and crop health metrics. This integrated approach aids both authorities and farmers in better preparation and response to potential drought situations.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, emphasized the importance of ISRO’s technology in transforming Indian agriculture during discussions in the Rajya Sabha.
Innovations in the PMFBY
Space technology also enhances the PMFBY through Smart Sampling techniques used in Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs). These innovations improve yield estimation and streamline dispute resolution regarding area and yield claims, thus ensuring transparent and accurate crop insurance settlements.
Krishi Decision Support System
Another key development is the Krishi Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS), a cloud-based platform that integrates weather data, satellite imagery, soil health information, and field metrics. It utilizes specialized algorithms, providing essential support for agricultural management and informed decision-making.
YESTECH Implementation
From 2019 to 2023, pilot studies employed satellites, UAVs, and AI/ML techniques to estimate crop yields at the Gram Panchayat level. These successful trials led to the implementation of YESTECH (Yield Estimation System using Technology) for paddy and wheat in Kharif 2023 and for soybean in Kharif 2024. This system aims to expedite and enhance the transparency of claims under the PMFBY.
These technological innovations represent a significant step towards more efficient agricultural practices in India, benefiting both farmers and the overall agricultural sector.
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