The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DAFW), Government of India, runs several schemes aimed at promoting agricultural technologyand supporting farmers in adopting modern technologies to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability. Here’s a detailed overview of the key schemes focused on agrotech and their major achievements:
1. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
Objective: To improve on-farm water use efficiency and promote micro-irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems.
Agrotech Component: Utilization of advanced irrigation technologies and digital tools for efficient water management.
Major Achievements:
- Increased irrigation coverage and efficiency across various states.
- Promotion of water-saving technologies that have resulted in better crop yield and reduced water usage.
2. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Objective: To promote organic farming and support farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
Agrotech Component: Use of biofertilizers, biopesticides, and technology-driven practices to manage organic farms.
Major Achievements:
- Established over 10,000 clusters covering 2 lakh hectares for organic farming.
- Enhanced soil fertility and reduced dependency on chemical inputs through organic farming practices.
3. National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA)
Objective: To achieve rapid development in India’s agricultural sector by leveraging information and communication technology (ICT).
Agrotech Component: Development of mobile applications, online platforms, farmer advisories to provide real-time information, crop planning and health, access to improved farm inputs, credit and insurance, help for crop estimation, market intelligence, and support for the growth of agrotech techs industry and start-ups.
Major Achievements:
- Implementation of farmer-centric mobile applications for market information, weather forecasts, and crop advisory services.
- Development of digital platforms such as Kisan Suvidha and Pusa Krishi apps to disseminate agri-information.
4. Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC)
Objective: To provide farmers with soil health cards that offer crop-wise recommendations for nutrients and fertilizers.
Agrotech Component – Use of scientific tools and testing technologies to analyze soil health. A decentralized soil testing system has been developed nationwide to help create a soil fertility map on a GIS platform that can be integrated with real-time decision-support systems.
Major Achievements:
- Over 23.58 crore soil health cards have been distributed to farmers across India as of December 2023.
- Increased awareness among farmers regarding soil health management, leading to optimized use of fertilizers.
5. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Objective – To promote sustainable agriculture practices adaptable to climate change.
Agrotech Component – Introduction of technology-based interventions like water conservation technologies, agroforestry, and precision farming.
Major Achievements:
- Promoted climate-resilient agriculture practices through technology and innovation.
- Increased adoption of agrotech solutions like drip irrigation, fertigation, and greenhouses.
6. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
Objective: To increase the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers.
Agrotech Component: Promotion of advanced farm machinery and equipment for various agricultural operations.
Major Achievements:
- Over 138.82 crores have been released towards Kisan drone promotion.
- Over 6748.78 Crore have been released to State Governments.
- More than 15,75,719 agricultural machinery and equipment were distributed, including tractors, power tillers, self-propelled machinery, and plant protection equipment.
- About 23472 Custom Hiring Centres, 504 Hi-Tech Hubs, and 20597 Farm Machinery Banks have been established.
7. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Objective: To provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in the event of crop loss due to natural calamities.
Agrotech Component: Use of remote sensing technology, drones, and satellite imagery for accurate crop assessment and damage estimation.
Major Achievements:
- Over 56.80 crore farmers enrolled and 23.22 crore farmer applicants received claims.
- Significant use of agrotech with improved technology has been infused to increase the coverage with introduction of National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP), Yield Estimation System based on YES-TECH technology, Weather Information Network and Data System (WINDS), Collection of Real time Observations and Photographs of Crops (CROPIC), integration of State Land Records with NCIP.
- Additionally Digiclaim module on NCIP have been developed to settle the clams directly to farmers account using Public Finance Management System (PFMS)
- Increased information, education, and communication (IEC) activities are needed to bring efficacy to farmers.
8. Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme
Objective: To provide expert advice and services to farmers on various aspects of agriculture. Support agricultural development, agripreneurship and create gainful self-employment opportunities
Agrotech Component: Establishment of centers that offer agro technology solutions, soil testing, plant protection, and other services.
Major Achievements:
- Trained and supported agri-preneurs in the establishment of clinics and centers.
- Enhanced extension services using modern agricultural technologies and innovations.
9. Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) (2021-2025)
Objective: To support projects based on new-age technologies such as AI, blockchain, remote sensing, GIS technology, drones, and robots.
Agrotech Component: Implementing pilot projects on ‘Digital Agriculture’ using emerging technologies.
Major Achievements:
- Launched pilot projects on drone use in agriculture for spraying, crop monitoring, and soil health assessment.
- Collaborations with private agrotech companies to develop innovative solutions.
10. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
Objective: To promote innovation in agriculture through financial support to state governments.
Agrotech Component: Funding for state-level agrotech projects including high-tech nurseries, seed hubs, and smart farming technologies.
Major Achievements:
- Promote production models that enhance value chain integration, helping farmers boost their income while also increasing production and productivity.
- Encouraged the adoption of high-tech agriculture equipment and practices among farmers.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has implemented numerous schemes to promote agrotech innovations among farmers, ranging from mechanization to digital agriculture. These schemes have significantly contributed to modernizing Indian agriculture, enhancing productivity, sustainability, and resilience against climate change while ensuring the schemes reach the lowest rung. The continued focus on technological integration and innovation is expected to further revolutionize the agricultural sector in India.
