Latest news with #DigitalAgricultureMission
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
BAU to launch statewide digital soil mapping soon
1 2 Bhagalpur: With an eye on precision farming and efficient resource use to maximise agricultural output, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) is set to launch a comprehensive "soil mapping and survey" project across the state under the Digital Agriculture Mission. The initiative supports climate-friendly and climate-resilient farming in line with the Centre's National Soil Mapping Programme (NSMP) under the ministry of agriculture and farmer welfare. The mapping exercise will cover all 38 districts, helping farmers make informed decisions about fertiliser application, irrigation and other farm strategies to improve productivity. Highlighting the significance of the project, BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh said soil mapping involves identifying and classifying soil types and their properties such as texture, pH, nutrient levels and organic matter. He added that the methodology will include digital soil mapping, which uses computer-based tools, satellite and drone imagery and environmental data. This will be supplemented by field sampling, laboratory analysis and proximal sensing techniques like electromagnetic induction. The VC added that soil mapping can lead to improved crop yields, more efficient use of inputs and lower environmental impact. "This results in higher yields and reduced input costs, leading to increased profitability for farmers. It will also bring socio-economic transformation in the lives of farmers and across the state," he said. Earlier, a review meeting chaired by the director (research), A K Singh, who also serves as the nodal officer for the project, was held to finalise the modalities. Talking to this newspaper on Thursday, he said the soil mapping would be completed by 2028 to aid in future agricultural planning under the agriculture road map. A scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra said the initiative would bring a "sea change" to the farming sector.
India Today
06-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Can AI solve the yield gap in Indian agriculture?
Despite advancements in agriculture, India continues to grapple with a significant yield gap, with production levels for key crops such as rice and wheat lagging behind their potential. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising solution to this issue, offering data-driven insights that could transform farming technology offers solutions across various stages of farming. In the pre-sowing phase, AI can assess soil health and recommend crops suited to specific climatic conditions, increasing the likelihood of successful harvests. During cultivation, AI-driven sensors and drones monitor plant health, enabling precision disease management and optimal use of resources like fertilisers and water. These technologies not only enhance productivity but also contribute to sustainable farming practices by reducing waste and improving input spoke with M.K Dhanuka, Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech Limited to get more insights. Post-harvest, AI aids in forecasting market demand and optimising logistics, thereby reducing storage wastage and enhancing farmer earnings. Initiatives in Andhra Pradesh, for example, have shown that AI-powered apps can increase crop yields by up to 30%, demonstrating the technology's potential impact. Such advancements highlight the transformative power of AI in addressing post-harvest inefficiencies and improving the overall agricultural supply Indian government is actively promoting AI in agriculture through the Digital Agriculture Mission (2021–2025). This initiative highlights the role of AI as a key enabler of data-driven farming, encouraging public-private partnerships to integrate AI into existing agricultural systems. However, widespread adoption faces significant hurdles.A major challenge is the availability and quality of data. AI models require robust datasets, yet India's farm-level data often lacks the necessary depth or is outdated. Furthermore, inadequate digital infrastructure, such as poor internet connectivity and low smartphone penetration, hampers scalability. These infrastructural challenges must be addressed to ensure that AI technologies can be effectively deployed across rural is another barrier, with many smallholder farmers unable to afford AI tools unless subsidised. Additionally, a lack of trust persists, as farmers are cautious about adopting AI advice over traditional practices, especially when there is no communication in local languages or demonstrable effectiveness. Building trust through transparent communication and demonstrable results is essential for fostering acceptance among harness AI's full potential, experts suggest investing in open-source agri-data platforms and enhancing rural digital infrastructure. Providing AI tools through cooperatives or farmer producer organisations (FPOs) could improve access for small farmers. Training FPOs to facilitate technology adoption and localising AI platforms could also drive greater uptake. These strategies could bridge the gap between technology and its practical application in the AI holds the promise of enabling Indian farmers by providing timely information and optimising resource use. While the yield gap is a formidable challenge, the right combination of technology, policy, and collaboration could pave the way for a more productive agricultural future in India. By fostering innovation and addressing existing barriers, AI can play a pivotal role in transforming Indian agriculture from subsistence to surplus.- Ends
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Farmer Associations' Report Highlights Climate-Resilient Tech that has Empowered Lakhs of Farmers
Calls for farmer-first, tech-driven solutions to tackle gaps in adoption despite government push Showcases NICRA's impact to empower farmers through 23,000 capacity-building programmes Urges targeted subsidies for renewable energy, organic inputs, and micro-irrigation to make climate-smart practices more accessible to small and marginal farmers On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), a non-profit uplifting the cause of millions of farmers and farm workers involved in commercial crop cultivation in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, organised a national seminar on the theme 'Supplementing Farmer Income through Sustainable Farming Practices' at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi. The seminar outlined a sustainable approach to leverage proven climate-resilient technologies to empower farmers. During the seminar, FAIFA also unveiled a white paper titled 'Nourishing the Future: A Report on Climate-Resilient Agriculture'. The report lauded the success of ICAR's flagship NICRA initiative, which has reached nearly 6.93 lakh farmers as of February 2025, through technology demonstrations and has trained 6.47 lakh stakeholders via 23,613 capacity-building programmes on climate resilient agriculture. As part of its interventions, 448 Climate Resilient Villages have been established, and 650 district-level agricultural contingency plans have been developed. The report's focus is in line with the latest developments initiated by the Government of India to boost agriculture. Some of the key efforts include the launch of the Digital Agriculture Mission, the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the National Mission on Natural Farming. Delegates in the seminar, including policymakers, agricultural scientists, and Members of Parliament, expressed concern over projections by the Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA), which estimate a potential 6–25% reduction in wheat yields and a 3–15% decline in rice yields by 2050. The FAIFA report also highlights a study by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) that warns of 10–30% fall in rain-fed crop yields across semi-arid regions. Erratic Climate Conditions – A Threat to Agriculture The report underscores that climate change, no longer a distant threat but a present and accelerating crisis for Indian agriculture, is beefing up its siege through erratic rainfall, unseasonal droughts, temperature spikes, and rising incidence of pests and diseases disrupting crop cycles. These weather events have severely impacted productivity, inflated input costs, and choked farmer incomes — compounding their distress. Small and marginal farmers, who form over 80% of India's agrarian community, are the worst affected due to limited adaptive capacity. But schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which provides insurance cover for weather-beaten crop losses, and initiatives under the Per Drop More Crop component that scale micro-irrigation are alleviating farmer distress. Additionally, the Soil Health Card scheme and the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) have supported balanced nutrient management and organic farming. Though a robust policy foundation is in place, the report identifies several gaps in implementation. High initial costs, fragmented infrastructure, and low farmer awareness continue to block widespread adoption of climate-resilient technologies. FAIFA recommends an integrated remedy: scaling research and extension services, expanding digital agri-platforms, and incentivizing sustainable practices. Mr. Murali Babu, General Secretary, Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), said, 'In states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, tangible impacts of climate variability on farming are becoming increasingly evident. Soil degradation, rising input costs, and falling water tables are putting significant pressure on farm productivity and incomes, particularly for small and marginal farmers. However, initiatives like ICAR's NICRA programme are encouraging, which has introduced practical climate-resilient solutions, such as solar-powered irrigation, drought-tolerant seed varieties, and capacity-building at the grassroots. These are already making a difference in many regions. This report is a constructive call to deepen our commitment to sustainable agriculture. We must transition from a 'grow more' approach to a 'grow better' mindset—one that embraces innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic viability for the farming community.' Innovation on the Ground: Success Stories from the Field The report features examples of climate-smart agriculture practices that are already providing greener outcomes: · Precision farming using IoT, sensors, and mobile-based advisories helps farmers monitor soil moisture, optimise inputs, and pre-empt crop stress. · Regenerative agriculture, including crop rotation, green manuring, and cover cropping, is enhancing long-term soil health. · Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is reducing fertiliser dependency while maintaining yield levels. · NICRA's flood - and drought-tolerant crop varieties are emerging as adaptive lifelines for climate-vulnerable farmers. Such sustainable soil conservation practices also contribute to carbon sequestration, as they act as mitigation pathways aligned with India's broader climate goals. Ather Matheen, Vice-President, Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), said, 'Sustainable agriculture must be viewed as a core economic strategy for Indian farmers and not just be seen as an environmental or regulatory concern. Climate-resilient models offer long-term financial benefits by lowering input costs, opening new markets, and reducing weather-related disruptions. Initiatives such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund can drive long-term income growth for farmers while advancing sustainability across the agricultural value chain. We also see transformative potential in platforms like e-NAM, which are beginning to streamline market access and improve price discovery through digital trade. As these tools evolve and scale, they will play a crucial role in integrating farmers more effectively into national and global value chains.' FAIFA's Reform Roadmap: Building Resilience Through Policy and Practice To address systemic challenges, the report puts forward suggestions for an effective roadmap: · Increase public investment in R&D for climate-resilient seed varieties and cropping systems · Widen farmer training programmes through participatory models and grassroots extension services · Promote ICT-based tools for precision agriculture and timely farmer advisories · Strengthen market access for sustainable produce by linking incentives with adoption · Provide targeted subsidies for renewable energy, micro-irrigation, and organic inputs · Mainstream conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and integrated farming systems into national and state programmes Climate-Resilient Agriculture is the Way Forward The report makes a fervent appeal to policymakers, research institutions, and private stakeholders to collaborate in scaling climate-smart agriculture. By infusing modern science into traditional knowledge, strengthening grassroots capacity, and aligning economic incentives, the sector can be bolstered to become resilient to climactic extremes and ensure a sustainable future for itself. As India works towards the twin imperatives of ensuring food security and combatting climate change, FAIFA's report offers a timely and actionable roadmap. FAIFA concludes that with strong institutional backing, increased investment, and a farmer-first implementation model, India can pave the way for an agri-economy that is both productive and climate-resilient.
India Gazette
30-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Tripura farmers to benefit from AI and Drone Tech: CM Manik Saha
Agartala (Tripura) [India], May 30 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that the primary goal of his government is to achieve food self-sufficiency through the use of advanced technology. 'The state government is working with special emphasis on increasing the income of farmers. Farmers' income has increased significantly compared to the financial year 2015-16. The aim is to achieve food self-sufficiency through the use of advanced technology,' he said. Saha was speaking at the Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan held at Bishramganj in Sepahijala district on Thursday, organised as part of a nationwide campaign. He was accompanied by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath. 'This campaign has been launched with the objective of empowering farmers through advanced technology. The government is committed to ensuring the welfare of farmers through technological advancement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given special emphasis on financially empowering farmers, and our state government is working in the same direction,' the Chief Minister said. 'One of the key goals of this Abhiyan is to raise awareness among farmers about modern agricultural technologies. As a result, the agricultural sector will witness further improvement, enabling the cultivation of high-quality crops,' he added. Saha also highlighted the Rising Northeast Investors Summit held recently in New Delhi, where all eight northeastern states participated. 'MoUs worth Rs 30,000 crore were signed at the summit, out of which Tripura alone accounted for over Rs 15,600 crore. This clearly shows that investors are now willing to come to Tripura,' he stated. He asserted that the development of farmers is essential for the overall progress of the state and the country. 'In various districts across the state, farmers are being supported through the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology. Work is in progress in collaboration with NITI Aayog and the Union Ministry of Agriculture to improve the AI-based crop advisory system under the Digital Agriculture Mission in Tripura. This initiative has already yielded notable benefits,' the Chief Minister said. He further noted that since the BJP government came to power in Tripura, paddy has been procured from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP). 'Over Rs 446 crore has been disbursed so far, with paddy being purchased at Rs 23 per kilogram. Soil Health Cards have been distributed to more than 2.06 lakh farmers, and one Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) has been formed in each of the 58 blocks,' he informed. The program was attended by Sepahijala Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Dutta, Agriculture Department Secretary Apurba Roy, Sepahijala District Magistrate Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, and other senior officials. (ANI)
