“`html
Digital Agriculture Mission
The Digital Agriculture Mission, with an earmarked expenditure of Rs 2,817 crore, is a pivotal initiative aimed at harnessing modern technology to elevate the living standards of farmers in India. Built on the robust framework of digital public infrastructure, the mission stands on two foundational pillars, namely the Agri Stack and the Krishi Decision Support System.
The Agri Stack, a comprehensive digital repository, is instrumental in organizing critical agricultural information. Key components of this stack include the Farmers Registry, Village Land Maps Registry, and Crop Sown Registry. These registries systematically catalog pertinent details about farmers, mapping of village lands, and documentation of crops cultivated, thereby enabling enhanced oversight and strategic planning.
Complementing the Agri Stack is the Krishi Decision Support System, which is integral to informed and data-driven agricultural decisions. This system assimilates a plethora of data types, such as geospatial data, drought and flood monitoring, weather patterns observed through satellite data, and groundwater availability. Collectively, this comprehensive data assimilation supports the creation of digital soil profiles, facilitates accurate crop estimation and yield modeling, and enhances the precision of farming advice provided to farmers.
Furthermore, the mission’s integration with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics opens new vistas for farmers. For instance, these technologies can streamline the process of obtaining crop loans by providing precise data, and connect farmers seamlessly with potential buyers, bolstering market access. Additionally, these technological integrations ensure that the latest agricultural knowledge and innovations are accessible to farmers, directly through their mobile phones.
The Digital Agriculture Mission, through these strategic technological interventions, aims to revolutionize the agrarian landscape of India by equipping farmers with essential tools and knowledge, thereby significantly improving their lives and livelihoods.
Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security
With a dedicated outlay of Rs 3,979 crore, the initiative focused on crop science is integral to preparing farmers for enhanced climate resilience, thereby ensuring food security by 2047. The scheme’s foundation rests upon three critical pillars: research and education, plant genetic resource management, and the genetic improvement of various crop categories including food, fodder, pulses, oilseed, and commercial crops.
Research and education play a pivotal role in expanding the knowledge base while disseminating crucial information to farmers. This ensures that agricultural practices are updated with the latest scientific advancements, fostering an environment where farmers can adapt to changing climatic conditions more effectively. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of plant genetic resource management, which involves conserving and utilizing a diverse range of plant genetic materials. This diversity is essential for breeding resilient crop varieties that can withstand diseases, pests, and environmental stresses.
Moreover, the scheme undertakes the genetic improvement of key crop categories. For instance, the enhancement of food crops is essential not only for meeting the caloric needs of the population but also for improving the nutritional quality of produce. Similarly, improvements in fodder crops are crucial for maintaining livestock health, which directly impacts agricultural productivity. Developing high-yield, pest-resistant varieties of pulses and oilseeds also serves the dual purpose of boosting farmer income and ensuring a steady supply of these essential crops.
Equally significant is the research on insects, microbes, pollinators, and other vital biological elements that have the potential to substantially influence agricultural productivity and sustainability. By understanding the intricate relationships between crops and these biological factors, researchers can devise more integrated pest management strategies, improve soil health, and enhance pollination efficiency, leading to sustained agricultural productivity.
The multifaceted approach of this initiative not only aims to secure food and nutritional needs but also strives to create a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding future challenges posed by climate change and evolving environmental conditions.
Strengthening Agricultural Education, Management, and Social Sciences
The Cabinet has sanctioned a substantial investment of Rs 2,291 crore to fortify agricultural education, management, and social sciences. This scheme is meticulously designed to equip agriculture students and researchers with the requisite skills and knowledge to address contemporary agricultural challenges. Governed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the initiative underscores the integration of modern technologies and methodologies in agricultural research and education.
Aligned with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the scheme aims to modernize and revamp the agricultural curriculum to meet today’s evolving needs. By incorporating the latest technological advancements such as digital DPI, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and remote sensing, the program seeks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of modern agricultural practices. These technological tools are pivotal in enhancing productivity, monitoring crop health, and making data-driven decisions that improve overall farming efficiency.
A significant aspect of this initiative is fostering the principles of natural farming and climate resilience within the educational framework. As agriculture faces the dual challenges of climate change and sustainability, it is imperative for future agricultural professionals to be adept in practices that mitigate environmental impact. The curriculum will, therefore, include extensive training on sustainable farming techniques, soil health maintenance, and resource conservation, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to a resilient agricultural economy.
Furthermore, the enhancement of agricultural management and social sciences education is expected to bring about a holistic improvement in the sector. A better understanding of socio-economic factors, policy implications, and community engagement will equip researchers and practitioners to devise strategies that not only bolster agricultural productivity but also improve the livelihoods of farmers. By addressing both the scientific and socio-economic facets of agriculture, the scheme promises to lay a robust foundation for a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural sector.
Sustainable Livestock Health and Production
The Cabinet has given the green light to the Sustainable Livestock Health and Production scheme with a robust financial commitment of Rs 1,702 crore. This initiative is strategically designed to elevate farmers’ incomes by focusing on the multifaceted domains of livestock and dairy production. It is imperative for the agricultural sector to invest in the animal health management, which forms the backbone of this scheme. Through improved veterinary education and services, farmers will gain better access to essential animal healthcare, thus reducing livestock mortality and enhancing productivity.
In addition to animal health, the scheme places a significant emphasis on dairy production and technology development. By fostering advancements in this area, the initiative aims to integrate modern practices and technologies, ensuring the efficiency and profitability of dairy farming. This will not only uplift the income levels of farmers but also contribute to the broader goal of food security by supplying quality dairy products.
The management and improvement of animal genetic resources is another critical element of this scheme. By promoting genetic diversity and resilience among livestock, the initiative aims to produce stronger and more productive animals. This strategic investment in genetic resource management will provide long-term benefits to farmers, setting a foundation for sustainable livestock production.
Furthermore, the scheme has incorporated comprehensive measures for enhancing animal nutrition, acknowledging its integral role in the health and productivity of livestock. Improved nutritional support will help ensure that animals are healthier and more productive, directly benefiting the farmers’ livelihoods.
Additionally, the development of small ruminant production is highlighted as a vital component. Small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, are often a significant source of income for rural farmers. By improving breeding, health, and management practices for these animals, the scheme aims to substantially increase their productivity and the resultant income for farmers.
This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of livestock-based livelihoods are addressed, promoting sustainable growth and providing a stable and enhanced economic base for farmers involved in livestock and dairy production.
