The Government of India (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare), in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is using satellite imagery, agro meteorological data and geospatial platforms to improve crop forecasting, monitor droughts, and strengthen crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). These technologies enable precise yield estimation, faster claim settlement and better resource planning for the agriculture sector.
These developments, aimed at supporting farmers with timely and accurate data, were outlined by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur.
Crop Forecasting Through FASAL Project
One of the key initiatives using space technology is the Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land-based Observations (FASAL) project. Under this programme, crop production forecasting is carried out for major crops including rice, wheat, tur, rapeseed and mustard, rabi jowar, cotton, jute, sugarcane, soybean, lentil and gram. The methodology combines satellite imagery with agro meteorological observations and on-ground field data to produce accurate yield estimates ahead of harvest, supporting better agricultural planning and market preparedness.
Geoportal for Drought Monitoring
For monitoring drought conditions, the Ministry, in partnership with ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, as developed a dedicated Geoportal. This portal consolidates and presents information from multiple drought indicators, including rainfall patterns, soil moisture status, remote sensing based crop health assessments, and data on water storage. By integrating these datasets, the system enables authorities and farmers to assess drought risk and plan appropriate mitigation measures in a timely manner.
Integration of Space Technology in PMFBY
Space based applications are also being used in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to streamline and improve various operational processes. These include Smart Sampling for Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs), which ensures representative and unbiased crop sample selection; yield estimation to determine insurance claims; and dispute resolution in cases involving area and yield discrepancies. The objective is to ensure that claim settlements are conducted with greater precision and transparency.
Krishi-DSS: Cloud Based GeoSpatial Platform
The Ministry has developed the Krishi Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS), a cloud based geospatial platform designed to assist a wide range of stakeholders in agricultural management and decision making. Krishi-DSS hosts extensive datasets such as weather information, satellite images, soil layers, water resource data and field level observations. The platform incorporates specialised modules and algorithms that use these datasets to generate actionable insights, helping stakeholders, from policymakers to local administrators, plan agricultural activities more effectively.
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Pilot Studies on Yield Estimation
Between 2019 and 2023, the Ministry conducted a series of pilot studies to explore the use of space technology for crop yield estimation at the Gram Panchayat level. These studies were carried out by engaging both government and private agencies and utilised multiple technologies, including satellite imagery, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), simulation models, and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) techniques. The objective was to derive precise yield estimates at the local level to support agricultural insurance and planning.
YESTECH Implementation for Timely Claim Settlement
Based on the results of these pilot studies, the Ministry has implemented the Yield Estimation System using Technology (YESTECH) under PMFBY. This initiative was rolled out for paddy and wheat from the Kharif 2023 season and for soybean from the Kharif 2024 season. YESTECH enables technology driven, Gram Panchayat level yield estimation, ensuring that claim settlements are both timely and transparent, ultimately improving support to farmers facing crop losses.
The integration of space technology into India’s agricultural framework reflects a systematic approach to improving data accuracy, decision making, and service delivery for farmers. By combining satellite based monitoring, advanced modelling techniques and digital platforms, the Ministry aims to create a more reliable and responsive agricultural support system, enabling stakeholders to address challenges such as climate variability, crop loss and resource management with greater efficiency.